Happy little things

So it's been over a week before I've posted anything. Not sure if anyone cares. I've been a busy girl. Anywho, here are a few little 'things' I've found and think are post worthy. They are in- expensive, fun, and in MY opinion good little gifts to give. This is something I own. I bought it because I've always got pictures floating around and truthfully there are only soo many frames one can have in a home before it starts getting tacky. I hung it on the back of the guest room door. WHY? Well, I don't know about you but as a guest at someones house I LOVE looking at their photos. Besides, it's a cool product, but not quite cool enough to hang in a focal prime location (in my opinion) so here they will be seen but won't take up valuable space.
Picture Window, Urban Outfitters
$25 for set of two I mean, what guy doesn't get way too overheated ALL the time? Shoot, I wouldn't mind one of these right about now. Love that it plus directly into your computer USB port.
USB Fan, Urban Outfitters
$10 I just love the modern version of these birds. Bathroom, back of a door, entry wall for purses or keys? I mean, they are so cute I don't think i'd want to hang anything on em!
Bird Hooks, Urban Outfitters
$10 Okay, these storage baskets come in GOLD! Sorry but I'm excited about it. How perfect to buy a few of these with the USB fan for a soon to be college student.
Metal Crate, Urban Outfitters
$15

Spend or get off the pot

The bathroom. A useful little space isn't it? I love it in there. I'm a freak about keeping the counters clean and clear from clutter. I wish I knew why, considering I'm OK with keeping other counters... well, not so clutter free.

It's a great space to update too for a few reasons. For starters, it's small and less intimidating. Which naturally results in less money to spend! Also, a few minor tweaks make a BIG impact which, I don't know about you, but really makes my day!

Here are a few items I've found out an about that I totally recommend. Just in general though, take a few risks in the bathroom. Do something FUN! Shower curtains can be changed out SOO easily so why not buy one that's bold? Like this one. Once you've got the overall color scheme from an item you love, the rest is just about matching those tones and style in the accessories. That's not too hard, is it?

Dwell Medallion Shower Curtain, Target
$25

Just to throw this out there. Please leave the decorating to the partner who's more passionate about it (Same goes for roommates.) There's nothing more irritating then getting all excited about a purchase and having your spouse come and take your creative excitement away. I mean, Tim's slowly getting it after years of me biting his head off every time he objects to a design decision. Yes, he likes decor. Yes, it's his house too, but does he see me putting in my two cents on what motorcycle color to buy? Or how to rearrange his tools? Some things just need to be let go. Like having an opinion on something you don't care enough about. Like a shower curtain. That's all. I feel better now.

What else, what else. Oh yes, counter accessories.
Taking into consideration our bright bold shower curtain, the accessories should be pretty simple in design and color. I mean, lets break this down like an outfit. Say you put on a crazy floral top. Wouldn't your earrings be best on the simple side. Otherwise they would be competing. Home design is very much similar to wardrobe styling.
These are timeless and cool. Also i think your spouse will like their more masculine look.

Store Resin Bath Accessories, CB2
$5-$10


Okay, I've completely fallen in love this bath mat. Not as cheap as a cloth bathmat but worth the extra money. Why? Well, I can't count how many times I've thrown out beautiful Anthroplogie mats because they just get dirty. Then I wash them and the material never quite looks the same. This one has a spa like feel and can be washed in the shower with you when it gets dirty. The modern, simple but still bold design is a nice compliment to the shower curtain, wouldn't you say?

Pebble Bath Mat, CB2
$45





Artwork. I was brainstorming something cool an unexpected for this space. Then BAM I found it! Tons of people on etsy do these hand drawn profiles. I love the idea of having something personal like this. If you aren't too stoked on YOUR profile, how about using your kids, or a pet's? Just this morning I was driving by Michaels and saw a 60% off all framing sign. It would be adorable double matted with white and a thin bold color (either yellow or purple to pick up the shower curtain). OR if that's still too pricey, simple black frames can be picked up anywhere nowadays for SO cheap!

Custom Hand Drawn Profile, Etsy
$20




So one thing I forgot was towels. I'm super into white towels. They can easily be bleached and give you that clean feeling. Home Goods has a plethora of white towels for super inexpensive!

Baby's awake-gotta go! Enjoy your day!
~ Bec and Call

i DO!

Its no secret by now that a passion of mine is to find and create things on a shoestring budget. For me there is no bigger thrill than to make something look great and still have money leftover to do other things with. However, I do believe there are SOME things worth spending a pretty penny on. It's a matter of sifting through what is needed and what isn't, what will give you the most for your money, and what wont.
Its about thinking before you spend.

Weddings are a topic for me today. Did you know that the average wedding costs $28,000?! $28,000! Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of money?
My brain sees that number and thinks HOUSE down payment, crazy fun family or friend vacation somewhere awesome, starting a business, etc. It doesn't say one day celebration.

Now don't get me wrong, if you comfortably have it to spend GO FOR IT! It's not you I'm talking to (although I'd love you to read along anyway :)) Also, you may be thinking, Is not MARRIAGE and a wedding worth splurging on? My answer, "it's not about that." Just because something is important and special doesn't automatically translate to multiple dollar signs. I think that's part of the problem people are having. They feel guilty for NOT splurging a little on their special day because they ask themselves, "Aren't WE worth it?" Well, you are also worth a debt free, stress free, fun marriage too.

I would suggest pondering whats MOST important to you about your BIG DAY. Is it photos? Food? Music? Spend the most there. There are so many ways to cut back on costs. You just have to think smarter. Imagine spending $10,000 on a wedding (It is possible-my husband and I spent $8,000 with an open bar) then you can have tons left over to enjoy a relaxing and equally important honeymoon.


Some suggestions:

Connections~Networking is a powerful tool. Think hard about people you may know that have a skill you need. Most likely they will discount their services for you. Maybe it's even a talented up and comer that would just love the opportunity to do it in exchange for some cool portfolio pictures.

Time of Day~Night weddings just tend to be more money. Dinner, DJ, Drinks. These are pretty standard for night weddings whereas during day weddings this isn't as much a necessity. Design~Keep in mind the style of your wedding. The more modern and simple in design, the less expensive the decor will need to be.

Location~Another important element that relates to design. For example, if your wedding is in a beautiful setting less decor is needed meaning less money and less time you need to put in to do it! Also, totally worth it to think of friends you may know that have a cool house/backyard you can use. The most expensive weddings tend to be the -all inclusive- ones. For instance if you are getting married at a hotel, most make you use their catering service which is always generic and overpriced. Problem is, you have no way around it! It's most budget friendly to find a location where YOU can control what catering service you bring in.

Sales~Sample sales are a perfect place to find wedding dresses! Who cares if they are a season old? Does that make it less beautiful? Also, keep in mind in expensive dresses that are simple can be tweaked to become more YOU. For our wedding I bought a $250 Davids Bridal halter dress. It had tacky beading, but was overall simple in style and was made of beautiful material. I spent an extra $150 to add a chartreuse green sash and vintage brooch. It made me happy knowing I didn't spend an arm and a leg and nobody will ever have my same dress.

technology~The music world has evolved soo much. If a DJ isn't super important to you, I totally recommend being YOUR OWN DJ and setting up an Ipod playlist. Sometimes that is better anyway because you can guarantee songs you love! Another cool way to use technology these days is to create a slide show. Everyone loves a slide show and what a cool in expensive way to make your wedding feel personal! Adding a friends and family section to the slide show would be the perfect touch :)

Here are a few cute wedding ideas. For fun.

Photo booths are so popular now and I totally see why. They are so much fun! If you can't afford an actual company to come and set up a professional booth, it's a great alternative to create your own (Martha Stewart has some cute templates for this!) Set up a fun backdrop that matches your decor and have your photographer OR even cheaper, a family friend take some fun shots of your guests.

In love with these cute simple paper props~
Party On A Stick, Etsy $28

Backdrop template, marthastewart.com


Who says you have to do floral centerpieces? I love the look and feel of these lace luminaries. They are romantic and refreshing! Also, if you are on a budget then most likely you will be making a lot of the wedding decor. These can be made way ahead of time whereas floral arrangements need to be done the day of. Doesn't relaxing the morning of your wedding sound so much better?


Lace Luminarias template, marthastewart.com



Last but certainly not least. It's always a good idea to have a something memorable and unique...... ~In love with this sign~

Most importantly, be YOU! Make it feel custom to what makes you and significant other so special. And have fun :)

Transitions

It's that time again. It's finally hot, not a marine layer to be seen on the coast and yet inside every retail store long sleeve and bulky jackets are in the forefront. I hate this. Yes, Fall is my favorite season but I'm not quite in the head-space to take this in quite yet. I'm finally turning my pasty legs into a not as pasty color.

Never mind apparel! Just a week ago I went into target looking for a beach umbrella. I thought i knew that place like the back of my hand, and turns out I DO. Problem was there were no umbrellas in the umbrella isle. The sales clerk said it's a "seasonal" item. Humph, last I checked I was nursing a sunburn and hiding from 98 degree weather....last I checked it was still SUMMER! Iyi, yi, yi.

So this time of year it's always important to keep in mind buying items that will transition. exhibit A: I don't know about you but I could use, like 6 of these. Perfect for over your bathing suit to the beach, playing with your kids at the park (I mean, no need to worry about muffin top or G strings hanging out when climbing around on the jungle gym) AND so cute with leggings, ankle boots, and a fun printed scarf in the fall. Plus it comes in three colors
and is on sale :)
Eco Heather Dress, Urban Outfitters
$20



This is something I own and love. The detail around the neckline makes me happy. It's like a necklace and jacket in one. A Necket. I'll stop now. Anyway, Its super thin and stretches which makes it perfect for layering a long sleeve under when cooler weather hits. Did i mention camel is a hot color for fall? Well, there you go.

Pizzoccheri Jacket, Anthropologie
$50

This next item is more fallish. However, put them on with a little/bright/floral dress at nighttime and you've got a super cute summer outfit. Although a bit batty (I mean, who wasn't confused about 'Chicken In The Sea' at one point in their lifetime?:)), you've got to admit Jessica Simpson does make some pretty cute shoes for reasonable prices. I personally like that the stacked wood heal dresses them down a bit. Did i mention they are on sale?
Mari Boot, Jessica Simpson
$70 If you have been reading my blogs then you know by now that I'm a scarf-a-holic. What i like about this one is it's dressier, vintage appeal. It's not your typical "warm" scarf, but more of a TRUE accessory. Perfect wrapped in your hair on a hot summer day OR tied onto a leather purse in the fall, or even wrapped around your neck with that dress I listed above with a fitted blazer. Can you tell I'm getting excited about its versatility?
Silk scarf, H&M
$12