Gimme some Shade

Nothing can transform a room more than a cool lamp, but what can transform a dull lamp? An awesome shade!

Here are a few of my faves:

  1. Pottery Barn, Calligraphy Straight Drum Lamp Shade
  2. Pottery Barn, Mica Drum Lamp Shade
  3. Pottery Barn, Filigree Star Ceiling Clip Shade
  4. Anthropologie, Guelaguetza Shade
  5. Anthropologie, Estuary Shade
  6. Etsy, Burlap Single Rosette Sconce/Chandelier Lampshade
  7. Etsy, Gray Drum Lampshade

And Then There was Light…

I love lamps…plain, simple, it’s love…

  1. Pottery Barn, Brookshire Ceremic Table Lamp
  2. Restoration Hardware, Crystal Pier Lamp
  3. Pottery Barn, Eva Colored Glass Table Lamp
  4. Pottery Barn, Hayes Task Table Lamp
  5. Anthropologie, Curiouser Lamp
  6. Pottery Barn, James Glass Kerosene Lamp
  7. Pottery Barn, Fairview Table Lamp
  8. Anthropologie, String-of-Pearls Lamp

Now, if only they weren’t so dang expensive!

Mercury Glass…Because It Looks Badass

I’m redoing my mantle.  I just purchased a carved, painted wooden thing–not sure how else to describe it.  So anyway, it’s colorful like the rest of my house and it’s not very tall, so I need something a little taller to balance things out.  My heart is set on some mercury glass candle pillars.  Here are some mercury items I’ve found during my hunt.  I’ll post a picture of my completed mantle soon!

  1. At West End, mercury glass candle holders
  2. Wisteria, Antiqued Glass Pillar Candleholders
  3. Amazon, Antique Mercury Glass Candle Holder
  4. Target, Mercury Glass Votive Candleholder
  5. Pottery Barn, Mercury Tealight Holder

Designer Furniture on a Budget

Question: What is the difference between these two pieces of furniture?

Armoire A:

  1. Is from Pottery Barn.
  2. 30% of the armoire is made of particle board.
  3. This armoire came in two colors: dark stain and red.
  4. It would have taken 8 weeks to be delivered to my house.
  5. The total cost is $2,500, including shipping.

Armoire B:

  1. Is in my living room and was custom made by El Paso Import Co.
  2. 100% of the armoire is made of solid pine.
  3. This armoire could have been made in any color. (I chose this particular stain because it complimented the rest of my living room furniture.)
  4. It took 4 weeks to be built and delivered to my house.
  5. The total cost was $1,200, including delivery.

Custom-built furniture is a great way to save a LOT of money on designer decor. My fellow tipsy girl AK introduced me to custom-built furniture and gave me a suggestion on where to go to have it done, but I have a great solution if you happen to live in a town that does not have an El Paso Import Co., and that is Craigslist.com.

With a simple search on Craigslist, I found two additional custom furniture builders located in the Houston area and both of their portfolios are impressive.

Here are some good resources and questions to ask before having your furniture made:

  • Have some measurements in mind for the size of your furniture.
  • Take some pictures to highlight the type of furniture you want made.
  • Ask for references.
  • Always get an exact price quote in writing before you commit.

So before you drop a lot of $$$ on your next furniture investment, do a little online research and see what you can find in your area. Having a piece of locally made, custom, furniture will not only leave a lot more cash in your pocket, but you’ll also be stimulating your local economy and that just feels good!

Decorating Faves

Here are some of my favorite things that either have or want to decorate my house with!

  1. Pottery Barn, Ella Canisters
  2. Barrio Antigua, Iron Wall Decor
  3. Pottyer Barn, Eleanor Frameless Mirrors
  4. Barrio Antigua, Sugar Mold Candle Holder and Mirrored Star
  5. Pottery Barn, Lacquer Wood Gallery Frame
  6. Barrio Antigua, Wrought Iron Yard Accessories: These may be classified as “yard art”, but I use them in my bathroom to hold towels…

    Christmas Wishlist: Sarah Edition

    The Mission:create a list of fabulousness that I wouldn’t mind showing up under the tree on Christmas morning if  $$$ were NO object!

    The Result:

    sk-xmas list

    1. Tiffany & Co., 1837 Interlocking Circles Ring: I have been in LOVE with this ring since I first tried it on. Why am I trying on jewelry at Tiffany’s you ask? Because it’s fun…that’s why! Another thing that draws me to this ring is the rose gold, anyone else out there as obsessed with rose gold as me?
    2. Amy Butler, Carried-Away Everything: These bags are a tad pricey, but they are super-cute. I would also like several of her tote bags as well, but that’s for another post…
    3. Allens Boots, Old Gringo Cruzadas: Ok, this is the 2nd time I’ve mentioned these boots in this blog…don’t you think it’s time someone bought them for me?
    4. Anthropologie, Fire Within Posts: Simple, classic, and just plain cute.
    5. JCrew, Salon Bracelet: Truth be told, I wanted to put all of the JCrew jewelry line on this list…
    6. Williams-Sonoma, Le Creuset 6 and 3/4 Qt. Oval Dutch Oven: I just feel like I need this dutch oven because a) the Pioneer Woman uses one a lot when she cooks and b) who doesn’t like a lime green pot in their cabinets!?!
    7. Amazon, KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer: This needs to be on my counter in my kitchen…it will break up the absurd amount of red that I have!
    8. Crate & Barrel, OXO Pop Containers: My pantry has become disheveled…these should help…
    9. Williams-Sonoma, Le Creuset 12″ Fry Pan: Geez, you would think cooking was my hobby with all these kitchen items on my list!
    10. Pottery Barn, Tuscan Urns: These would look really neat in my house.
    11. Anthropologie: Shocking, but this jewelry box is no longer available, but I do like this alternative!
    12. Nordstrom, Michele ‘Deco’ Customizable Watch: I seriously have not had a new watch since I was in high school…

    Christmas Wishlist: CR Edition

    So a few of these are completely outrageous, because I can’t imagine spending the $.  But in a world where money didn’t matter, here is a list of the things I want to see under my tree.

    1. Z Gallerie Lithe Vases ($14.95 – $18.95) – simple, yet intricate.  Would be perfect for my bamboo!
    2. Hello Kitty Ceramic Watches ($995 – 2900) – yes, I am 29 and 3/4’s and am an admitted Hello Kitty junkie.  These watches are too cute.
    3. Urban Outfitters Head Band ($18.00) – not even sure this would look good on me, just seems really unique and funky, like me.
    4. Yellow Strauss Toms (54.00) – fun and funky.
    5. Tyler Diva Scented Candle ($17.95) – I am just obsessed with these candles and this scent.
    6. Ikea Red Clock ($29.99) – love love love this cute little ticker.
    7. Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave ($79.99) – this is a want, definitely not a need.  But if I could pick any out there, this wireless mouse and keyboard surely have my vote.
    8. Rotating Spheres Arc Floor Lamp ($79.99) – I am certain this would complete my house’s transformation to an Asian wannabe home.
    9. Pottery Barn Fruitwood Pillar Holders ($22.99) – too cute, very simple.  I love candles and am sure I would be able to find some which would a nice reason to have these around.
    10. Ivy Mirror and ID Case ($16.00) – did I also ever mention that I am notorious for constantly misplacing my ID, debit card, keys, mind, and sanity.  Think this will help???
    11. Puma Hoodie ($69.00) – did I ever mention I am obsessed with Hoodies?  Any of the Tipsy girls can attest to this.  I am convinced this is the perfect hoodie for me.
    12. Oh and did I mention this little guy (priceless) – no comment :).