I couldn't think of what else to describe my awesome Goodwill finds today.

But, I have a confession to make...since I didn't get to go to Goodwill for my usual Goodwill Tuesdays feature, I decided to go yesterday/Friday. I found so much cute stuff, but then I noticed that today/Saturday the entire store was going to be 50% off.

So, I did what any normal girl would do. I hid it all.

*blushes*

I went back today and all but 1 item was still there (darn the person who took the cute little shelf!), and I got it all at 50% off.

Will be back later with some pics and details of what they will be used for, but for now I must work on Etsy orders! I need to finish up a few before my wedding in 1-week.

Holy crap, 1 week.

Until then, I'll leave you with some decor porn. Porn is the best way I can describe these images. They're that good.





Drooling yet?

Then drool some more by viewing the details and more pictures over here.

Photos by Heather Bailey.

Featured Item #1
Blue Chandelier Switchplate Cover
$5.00 plus shipping

A nice way to add a small pop of color to a wall. It would also be cool to maybe add some jewels to the design to bling it up.
From Etsy Seller Funky Chicken Design

Featured Item #2
Vintage Embellished Magnetic Paper Clip
$8.00 plus shipping

This would match perfectly with my Pier 1 Imports magnetic chalkboard. Hhmmm. It's so cute, and I could totally see myself using this to hold up a nice black and white photo.
From Etsy Seller Eclectik Funk

Featured Item #3
Printable and EDITABLE - SWIRLS Recipe Card and MINI Folder - Type or Paste Recipes into PDF - No Writing Needed
$10.00 total (no shipping cost- digital file)

I have been looking for something like this for awhile now...actually ever since I started religiously reading Taste Spotting, I have starred/saved a lot of recipes. Rather than print them out and have them all disorganized, I have been looking for something like this to use. I think it's a bargain, and you could even give out some as gifts. Perfect for the budget DIYer.
From Etsy Seller Whisker Graphics

And as a bonus, I would totally put the items I print from item #3 into this Martha Stewart Recipe Box.

So, I have majorly sucked at blogging this week, and I fully blame it on the crazy week I've had and the fact I get married in about a week. Yes folks, ONE week.

I didn't have a chance to do my Goodwill Tuesdays feature, and yesterday's Etsy Thursday finds also went by the wayside, so instead I am going to post about some awesome finds I have stumbled across the past few days.


This awesome carton vase from CB2. Only $6.95


Office inspiration- this picture makes me so happy!


Gorgeous.


I want to make something like this in neutral/earthy color for our living room. I know, I know, I said I was going to focus on my office, but what's wrong with multi-tasking?

I took my bridals yesterday, and I would love to post some teasers, but my future hubby would see them...so if you want the link to the gallery, let me know. Otherwise, they will be posted after May 23rd.

Things I Hate:
Getting my nails done. I don't know who the heck finds it relaxing, but I sure don't. I am sitting in a chair, watching the Tyra show while listening to the nail technician talk on the phone in Chinese (probably talking about me- jerk) while sawing off my cuticles. Relaxing? I think not. Even more unrelaxing is the fact that a 4-year-old and her mom are getting pedicures and the kid is yelling about how ticklish she is. Get over it kid, at least they're not sawing through the top layer of your skin. And at least you're not paying for it, your mom is. Shove it and be quiet so I can hear Tyra.

$30 later I have 10 pretty new nails and raw skin on 3 fingers. Nice.

Things I Love:
Right next to the nail salon is a Sonic Drive-In which features a fabulous $1 menu. My lunch was $2.17 thanks to the chicken strip sandwich with small fries combo that I was able to buy. I love getting to eat my fatty fast food faves because it's cheap and because the portions are so small they may as well be a kids meal.

Thank you Sonic!



It's weird typing with these nail thingies, especially on my iPhone. Can't wait to take these suckers off in 2 weeks.

I did this mock-up real quick after realizing I had lots and lots of damask wrapping paper left from wedding projects.

I really like it, and I think it'll look nice on my wall. The pink border around the damask panel will be decorative border stuff (like my technical terms?) from Home Depot that I will paint hot pink.

So, I am back from the movies. Ghosts of Girlfriends past was ok. It wasn't the worse movie, it wasn't the best. It was alright.

Anyway, back on topic.

I have begun my search for the perfect 12x12 squares for my uber awesome wall mosaic.

Here are a few options:

Nice bright colors that totally match my black/white/brights color scheme.
$9.99 for 58 sheets this week at Joanns


Option 2:

Same bright colors as the option above, but glittered. Don't know if that makes much of a difference.
$9.99 for 30 sheets this week at Joanns

Now, I will fully admit I only searched for a little while for chandelier themed 12x12 inch scrapbook paper...and I've had no luck. Anyone know where I can find chandelier scrapbook paper?

Off to watch the season finale of Brothers & Sisters. We'll see what crap Nora pulls this time...

Is what Daniel said when he walked in and saw me reading this post on a fabulous blog. There are SO many amazing, talented, and creative women out there who are truly inspirational when it comes to decorating my office and my apartment in general.

Living in an apartment poses it's decorating challenges since to me decorating=paint. I know that accessories and furniture are important, but I have always felt that paint sets the tone of a room. My friend Lauren suggested I drape curtains along the walls, and while I like the idea a lot (and will probably do this in the living room) I really wanted something funky for my office.

I found it!



I am going to do this on the same wall where my chair and table will be.

Off to look for some awesome scrapbook paper for my project. I am even thinking of incorporating some damask sheets in there...be back later with my finds, for now I am off to see Ghosts of Girlfriends past. (Matthew McConaughey is the hotness!)

I want to take some time to recognize 3 special mommy's today.

First will be Ashley- she had Luci in November, and she's a doll (both mom and daughter). I really admire Ashley because no matter what is going on in her life, she's always happy and stays positive. That's something that to me is hard to do sometimes, so I don't know how she does it. Something else I love about Ashley is that she's funny as hell (especially when she's sarcastic), and she always tells it like it is. No BS from her. Ashley is strong, beautiful, courageous, and a blast to be around. I miss her dearly, and I hope she visits soon. I met her through The Knot, and she's one of my best friends and I wish her a fabulous mother's day with her daughter Luci.

Here's Miss Luci looking so gorgeous:


Next will be Lauren- she had her son Jackson about a week ago, so she's really a new mom. I know she's super busy, but all her e-mails this past week have been really happy and joyous, so she's loving motherhood and it suits her well. Lauren is nurturing and she's always willing to lend a hand. She made all of my bridal shower favors, she is lending me a ton of stuff for my wedding, she just really cares and listens. I can't imagine having gone through all this wedding stuff without her. She is amazing. Lauren is also another girl I met on The Knot, and it's funny whenever I mention Lauren or Ashley to someone they always think I've known them for a long time instead of a couple of years or so. Lauren- happy mother's day, your son is a cutie.

Here's Jack the Cutie:


And last, but certainly not least, is my mom. My mom raised me as a single mother, and though she can be nuts sometimes, she's a great mom. She is always there to defend me (even if I am wrong), she's there to listen, she's there to yell, she's there to cry, to laugh, to everything...She's just great. I'm getting married in 2 weeks (actually 13 days...wow!) and with my wedding getting nearer, I keep thinking about how lucky I am to have a mom like my mom. She's listened to my million and one mind changes (ivory or white or off white) and she's always tried her best to be there for me. I love you mom- always and forever.



To all the other mom's who happen upon this post- Happy Mother's Day! You're all amazing.

I first heard about the fabulous, talented, nice, sweet, and did I say talented Lynn from Lynns Little Creations on The Knot.

A bunch of my favorite May 2009 brides (Stacy, Deborah, Kristin, Robin, and Jackie- love you ladies!) ordered their cake toppers from her, and I kept dreaming of what mine would look like. I think I'd look beautiful made from clay because I'm just beautiful period, right? Right.

So, I contacted Lynn, and she said she could squeeze me in.

And then I forgot.

Then Kristin reminded me with her post about it, so 2 days ago I contacted Lynn and asked if she could please squeeze me in and she said YES! Hallelujah!

She sent me pictures of our cake topper today, and it is more cute and beautiful than I could EVER imagine.


Daniel loves football, and I love shopping.


Our furbaby Pee Wee and his favorite Mickey Mouse chew toy.


And a close up of the Mr. & Mrs.- look at Daniel's glasses- ADORABLE!!

She knocked it out of the park, it's perfect and I do not regret spending the money on getting this made. We will cherish it forever. Thanks again Lynn!

So, remember my oh-so-happy post about my weekend plans?

Scratch that.

After writing my blog post, I decided to head home for lunch to see my baby Pee Wee. And on my way, I had a tire blow out.

Bachelorette party? Canceled.
Wedding dress pick-up? Canceled.
Office rummaging? Canceled.

What's on the agenda now? Getting car fixed and forking over my paycheck in order to get the car fixed.

*sigh*

I went over to Eddie Ross' blog today to enter the Very Berry Giveaway...and he sent me this:

"Hi Monica,

I want to thank you so much for entering the Very Berry Giveaway. Good
Luck and keep reading!

Best, Eddie"

:o)

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend planned.

What am I doing? Well, tomorrow morning I meet with the uber-talented Erin McLarty of Eden's Echo. She's my florist for my wedding on May 23rd. She also said she's going to make me lunch, so I am psyched. How often do your wedding people make you food? Love you Erin! She's a doll, and I recommend her to anyone needing flowers in the Central/South Texas area.

After that I am going to pick up my dress...the WEDDING dress. Alterations are done and so is the $300 in my bank account. I wish I could post pictures on this blog, but my fiance Daniel is a follower because I forced him to be so if you want to see, e-mail me at Monica20039@gmail.com

My bridals are on May 13th, so I am super excited. It's all kind of hitting me now. As is the cheap mexican food plate I had for lunch. Oy. I need a nap.



And as if that wasn't exciting enough, I have my bachelorette party tomorrow evening. I don't know if I am even allowed to call it a party since it's myself, Leslie (matron of honor), Rosa (high school pal), and Erin (my florist). Even my mom ditched my party. Thanks mom! I'll remember that on Sunday. I am thankful that they are taking the time to hang out with me, so I am sure it will be fabulous.

And of course, I want to look for more office stuff. I am probably driving Daniel nuts, but as the wedding gets nearer (light at the end of the tunnel!), I am getting more and more excited to know that all of the wedding stuff will be out of the apartment.

I do have some more office finds from last weekend's day trip to San Antonio, and I hope to post those soon.

Ever see something and you know exactly how to use it, when to use it, and what to use it with?

This necklace below reminds me of a boudoir shoot:

Buy it here.

It'd be nice with an outfit like the one below:


So many girls on The Knot and The Nest get these sorts of photos done, and while I would love to, I am too much of a chunkster.

And Taste Spotting isn't helping any.

I want this necklace. Very badly.


Buy it here for me.

I am going to a really cool house in about 19 days.

Which house, you might ask?

This one.

See? I'm right in front of the house, and Barack is saying hi to Daniel who's walking so slow he hasn't caught up to the White House lawn with me yet.

After months and months of waiting, we've finally gotten the approval from Obama's staff to go on a White House tour on Tuesday, May 26th. I am beyond ecstatic. I love Obama. They did an extensive background check, and I guess they think I am normal enough to go in. Good thing they don't read this blog.

Maybe Michelle can give me decorating advice for my office. I really want to meet their dog because Pee Wee wants his pawtograph. Yeah, I made up a word. What's it to ya?

*does happy dance*

Have you seen Jim Gaffigan's latest Comedy Central special titled "King Baby"?

No? You must see it. It's on again Sunday, May 10th in the evening. Perfect way to spend your Mother's Day.

Yes? Then you'll appreciate this post even more!

In the special he talks about how bacon is the best thing on earth. So, this morning while parousing my Google Reader, I saw this heavenly cupcake:


Maple French Toast Bacon Cupcakes

Drooling yet?

Get the recipe here.

Every Thursday I will post about 3 Etsy sellers who have cool stuff for your home office at reasonable prices. I mention the reasonable price thing because sometimes Etsy sellers can be on the expensive side.

Featured Item #1
Expandable Jacket file folders - set of 2
$4.99 plus shipping

These are so cute! If you're not up for DIY, these are an affordable way to keep yourself organized and looking spiffy.
From Etsy seller MistyKristy

Featured Item #2
Aqua Mickey Cubicle Couture Clips PIF
$0.20 for 4 (yes, 4 of them for 20-cents!! WAHOO!!) plus shipping

Soooo stinkin' cute. I love the color, love the Mouse (Mickey that is), love the price.
From Etsy seller lolavalentinos

Featured Item #3
Ribbon Spool/Ink Pad Organizer
$29.95 each plus shipping

Finally someone who understands that crafters like to store things in compact, affordable storage thingies that aren't an eye sore. They offer their items in a variety of colors to fit any color scheme.
From Etsy seller organizemore

Kind of off topic...okay, insanely off topic.

My friend from The Knot recommended I add Taste Spotting to my Google Reader.

I gained 2 lbs. since subscribing to it because it's all about yummy food. Peachy.

Today, they are featuring this club- The Burger of the Month Club. They go eat burgers and rate them. Love it, love it, love it!



I want to join! Heart attack and Lipitor anyone?

For more info, click here to read the NY Times article.

Ever heard that song by George Strait?

I hate it. It's kind of sappy and reminds me of being dragged around to country concerts when I was 11. Not fun.

Well, the chair I wanted wasn't my chair after all.

What chair? This $500 masterpiece from Pier 1 Imports. Well, it's technically $499.95, but $500 is about right. (In all fairness, it was on "sale" for $450 2 weeks ago, and you can get 10% if you want to ruin your credit save money by applying for a Pier 1 Imports credit card!)



I wanted it. I begged for it. I considered selling my dog for it. (I'm kidding, I love you Pee Wee!!)

$500+ for a chair is almost my ENTIRE $550.00 office budget.

Instead, I gave up on that dream, and we headed off to Home Goods. And lemme tell ya, they had lots of goods. Including the bestest chair ever! It's black, huge, and microfiber. Oh, and it has storage under the seat! I plan to put guest linens in there or something Martha Stewartish like that. Oh, why am I kidding myself, I'm going to put random crap in there. There, I said it.

Here she is:

At $199, it was a deal I could not pass up. My biggest issue with the chair is that it doesn't have arms, but it is beyond comfy and the price is right. Who needs arms on the chair when I have 2 arms already? How lazy can we be?

There was a bunch of other stuff we saw at Home Goods that we liked, but this was the main attraction. I did see a fabulous glass/white iron lamp for $50 that would have matched perfectly with the office theme, but I stopped myself since I technically have a perfectly good lamp I could use. I hate being reasonable. *sigh*

But, I digress. The chair from Pier 1 is fabulous, but they also had lots of other stuff that is completely unnecessary, but that makes me want it even more. Why is that?


Chalkboard drinking glasses. This will solve the, "Which drink is mine?" dilemma that people sometimes experience. Seeing as how it's me, Daniel, and the dog, I figured we each knew which glass we drank from. Pee Wee's is a bowl, and he knows he can't pick up a glass since he has no thumbs. So, these stayed on the shelf at $4.00 a piece.


These canisters are gorgeous. I could picture myself putting them in my kitchen in my future mansion home. At $8-$15 each, I didn't think it was terribly expensive, but Daniel has to burst my bubble by pointing out that we don't have room in our apartment kitchen for them. I may buy them anyway and store them in a box. Take that Daniel!


This table made me want to hop on a flight to somewhere tropical, but not Mexico since I don't want the pig flu. It's a pretty, bright table that would look great on a deck with white wicker furniture and lots of flowers in bloom. $99

What did I buy at Pier 1? I bought this shabby looking magnetic chalkboard for $18.

I plan to put this in the bookshelf like this:


Or maybe put it on the wall near the table/chair. Don't know yet.

I will say my thirst for a cool chalkboard has finally been quenched. I know chalkboards are outdated, but this cool chalkboard cling from Paper-Source made me become obsessed with them. So happy to have found an affordable, cute, and magnetic chalkboard for my office.

Life is good.

Yeah, I know it's Wednesday.

I'm cool with that because I bought this beauty on Tuesday, so it still fits into my new weekly feature called "Goodwill Tuesdays". I'm so creative, huh? Fierce, even.

I have never really been a huge fan of thrift stores because I wasn't smart enough to appreciate them. Now that I am older (24- not really old actually) and a believer in Eddie Ross, I've grown to love garage sales and thrift shops. You never know what you're going to find, and I love trying to make something new out of something old or just finding something unexpected.

Last week I posted about my table find, so this week I went again to see what else I could find.

Feast your eyes on this 99-cent beauty:

She's purdy, huh? Lots of character, I think.


I love the pretty circles around the rim. So beautiful and smooth. I love the aerial view of this beauty.

I plan on putting my find on the table I found last week. I should fill it with yummy chocolates or a simple votive candle. Can you think of anything else I could use this for?

I also forgot about another 2 things I bought at Goodwill last week during the same trip.

A beautiful 99-cent butterfly:

It's made of milk glass! I just about did a cartwheel when I saw this. Placed on a table, this butterfly could be the perfect spot to place my earrings and rings when I get home and am lounging in my office. I am notorious for leaving my baubles all over the apartment (sorry Daniel).

Another option would be to hang it on the wall since it does have holes on the back to thread some bright ribbon through (maybe a braid of turqouise, hot pink, and lime green ribbon?). I could then buy the following wall decal from Etsy seller enoughsaid and it'll look like the bird is going to the butterfly. Simply beautiful!



And to round out my Goodwill finds, I had to find something to create my Eddie Ross plate wall. I found a cute scrolly turqouise plate at Goodwill for 69-cents.


I bought a round mirror to put in the center at Dollar Tree for $1.00, and I will stick it on with the red terrifically tacky tape from Wal-Mart. Now I just have to find plate hangers (where do I find these contraptions?!) and some more plates, and I am well on my way. Did that rhyme? Sorta did.

What sort of stuff do you look for at Goodwill?

Thinking about my new home office conjures up images of a modern yet vintage vibe. Anyone who has seen my Knot bio knows I love damask, and that love transcends into loving scrolls, flourishes, filigree, etc. I love it all. I have no shame.

As you can see from my previous post, I already have a bookshelf and a desk. You may also see I have a $550 budget, which in my opinion can go far if I budget wisely. Since I live in an apartment, I can't paint, so I have to get really creative with decor.

My first major task was finding an accent table. I originally had planned on a console table or a credenza type thing, but I decided against that. I just wanted something kinda pretty with some character.

My friend Lauren found me this beauty from Ikea.com:



At about $80 it's not super expensive, but I also have to factor in shipping ($15+) and tax. Or I could drive to Ikea, but it's about 2.5 hours away. Oh, and the dimensions are really small. Why would I want a 15-inch table? (Maybe that's a typo?)

Either way, I love the shape, but it's not all that cheap, big, nor convenient. I want cheap and easy. (Get your mind out of the gutter)

Yesterday, I happen to swing by Goodwill during lunch. The place smells like mothballs, and the one here in Beeville is alarmingly crappy, but I went anyway. Thank God I did because I found this beauty for $12.99 total!


Look at the beautiful scrolly details. (Ignore the scratches and stuff)


A close-up of the details.

I have big plans for this table. I immediately e-mailed Lauren my find, and I was thinking of being boring/safe and painting it black, but she insists on painting a bright color. I agreed because I think I need 1 piece of bright furniture to make an impact, sort of like this:



I probably won't start this project until June/after the wedding, but I am psyched. I can't decide on whether to paint it hot pink or turqouise, but I am going to use the method described in this video. I bought some of the supplies at Dollar Tree (sand paper, drop cloth, tack cloth), and the rest will be bought at Home Depot.

Stay tuned!

We've lived in our apartment for about 2 years now. When we moved in it was nothing but new furniture and a few picture frames.

Now, it's been taken over by damask devils. Damask stuff is everywhere (mostly wedding related) and I am going nuts. I hate it. My wedding is now about 22 days away (HOORAY!) and I am happy to be getting rid of the stuff that has taken over every square inch of my home. However, if there's a room that has felt it the most, it's our 2nd bedroom/home office.

Example A:

Example B:


I have lots of inspiration pictures, but I will share the ones that MOST reflect the look I am going for (vintage, shabby, bright, damask, unique, organized):









Picture 1 is from the oh-so-fabulous Decor8 Blog.

Picture 2 is from Martha's website. Yes, I said Martha. I buy enough of her products to be on a first name basis with her.

Pictures 3 and 4 are from Rhoda's fabulous blog. I am addicted to her blog! So many great DIY/how to posts.

So, as you can see, I want lots of black & white, damask, and bright colors. And my budget is $550.00 and I want a lot of junk. Namely, I want a chair, accent table, and ottoman. More on those things in an upcoming post.

I feel overwhelmed with this project, but at the same time I am ridiculously excited (and challenged) on decorating my office so that it is functional and fabulous and relatively cheap.

Can I do it? Stay tuned!