A Helping Hand: Tribal Baskets

Is just me or has the basket made a surprising comeback? Either way, I've been noticing them left and right. It all started with this great West Elm basket:

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Being that I have that bohemian love inside of me - there's something about tribal prints and ikat's that just strikes me. I decided to dig deeper and this is what I found.

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African Market Baskets, which is part of the Fair Trade Federation, sources baskets straight from villages in Ghana and delivers them right to your door. Proceeds from the baskets go to help feed, buy school supplies and support the village weavers and their families. The Fair Trade Federation is an organization that prides themselves on sustainable import practices in North America and bringing support to developing communities.

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So in light of the fact that I would be helping support a community of weavers in Ghana with my purchase, I decided to get one. It came right to my door in about 3 days and is great quality. I was originally going to keep it outside to hold all my flip flops for the yard, but its just too cute so I'm finding it a home inside. Its big enough to hold magazines, children's toys and/or towels. Get yourself one, here!

xoxo,

Floating: In DIY Heaven

Okay kids, in light of my recent loss-of-shoe, I am grieving and in need of keeping busy. With that being said, Pinterest has got me hooked. It's like a global community to share amazing projects on..

I have been looking for new ways to jazz up my summer-stricken backyard (let's just say my baby plants met their match when the big bad heat came and stomped all over them) and not to mention little things to brighten the home here and there.

Check out what's on my DIY to-do (besides the CL wingback chair that needs to be re-upholstered anddd those two nightstands that need to be re-painted... oops.) Anywho, here she blows..

1. The DIY Necklace

This one may take quite a bit of time, but I need something to pull me away from the relentless trash TV I take in per week (ugh, I love ittt). This little necklace costs about $20 and its something I can proudly sport day and night and boast that it's "handmade." Lovely.

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2. The knitted ottoman cover.

Where does one get giant knitting needles to even pull this off. More importantly, where do I learn to knit? Minor detail. (Mommmmmm?) You can tell that this unforgiving heat is making me yearn for those soft sweaters and cool breezes. I digress..

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3. The Daybed.

What more can you say about this that isn't spoken in the title? The daybed is the epitome of a lazy Sunday. And this one happens to be made from a gross old palet and an old door in the back. Time to roll up my sleeves and get hunting because this one is just topping my list.

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So many things to do, so little time. Has anyone had any experience with re-upholstery? The chair I bought is in great shape but has an absolutely grotesque fabric on it...

Until next time

xoxo

On my soapbox: poor and happy

At 23, moving into a brand new home wasn't the most "money-saving" decision. It's almost been a year now since I discovered my quaint little neighborhood, tucked behind old Tempe farms who had to have been there for at least 30 years. Looking back on the last year and where I was a year ago today, I must say I find myself smiling more and more these days. I can't say that my savings account has grown (more like stayed quite empty) but at least I'm happy.

I'm not one to really reflect, but after finishing school, starting my career and buying a house (leaping into adulthood) there's actually quite a bit to reflect on. Having more free time has made me realize what happiness is. When I started college I imagined my post-school life to be dedicated to the job - working for the man. I really wanted to make a name for myself so I could make a bunch of money. Although I am very dedicated to my work and am happy with the work I do, that isn't where most happiness comes from. Coming from a European background, we are about the term "working to live" versus "living to work." I work so that I can live: travel, spend time with my loved ones... make memories. Growth and reflection during this time for me has led to personal growth. I want everyone to who's stressed out with work and to sit back and think 'is this worth getting stressed out over?' It's not. Because when you get home, you're home. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Home isn't a place, its more of a state of mind.  I feel at home snuggled in my bed with my dogs. I feel at home with my family. I feel at home on the beach with my guy. Home is a state of happiness and we should all strive to find our own homes to escape to after long work days. Because it's home that will make you realize that all that stress at work isn't worth it. Right?

xoxo,

Looking Up: Lighting

When I bought my house back in October, it came with some very basic, but doable lighting. Over the last few months, I've been adding artwork to my walls and (for lack of better words) making my house a home. My lighting seems to be less fitting more and more daily. Remember this little guy?

Mi Casa #boringlamp

Well it's still here, hanging above me as I type. It's rather bland to be honest, but until now it didn't really bother me. However, I've been seeing affordable pendants and DIY lighting that makes me think this update might be an easy one. Check these out.

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This lamp, believe it or not (!) is made from those paint stirring sticks that are free at Home Depot. Are you kidding me? People are so smart. 

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This weaved lamp is actually made from a flower basket (upside down) then weaved with a sisal rope that can be found at none other than... your local Home Depot. 

This lamp would probably cost me about $20.00 to make. Tops. You likey?

But then I think, "I love DIY, but do I want to add yet another project to my DIY list?" 

-"Yes, probably."

But these West Elm lamps have really got me asking that same question over and over. 

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Ah, the classic drum pendant. This guy would offset my square table with its soft chic look. 

Well hello there pretty. I love this. With an awesome Edison bulb to pair, this one is just lovely. But I wonder, would I need two? This one seems sort of small. If that's the case, how does the electrical work?  I think the last thing I can afford is an electrician (note to self: I gotta befriend one of those). Have any of you had experience with updating and adjusting your lighting? 

xoxo

In the Details: Making a house a home

When I moved into my home, it was a maze of white walls and the only tepid source of personality was the tile, carpet and countertops that I was able to pick out myself from the builder. The last 8 months have flown by and I have yet to paint a wall, yet my house is slowly transforming to an empty abode to my home. I've learned that little transformations that aren't as committing as paint are the small little details. Pictures, art, candles, unique furniture all play into this notion of "home." We hear all these phrases "home is where the heart is" and "home" is not just a noun - it's a feeling, your personality, an idea - it's memories in the making. Lately I've been looking into changing up some little details in my home - starting with:

THE DOOR KNOB.

via Lowes

My house came with these - not ugly by any means, but nothing special.

But how about switching up some rooms with these stunning knobs? I think these take a door from something that divides a room to a sweet surprise,  leaving someone thinking...

"well, what is behind this door?"

I found a ton at Anthropologie (of course, my favorite store!)

Can you guess what the other side says? So cute 

Classic feminine chic

I'm having trouble finding doorknobs like this anywhere else - I'm on the hunt! Help me?


Until Next Time....




XOXO,


Nina 

Catholic girl gone Buddhist

As a child, I was raised Catholic. I have always had a spiritual outlook on being religious and having a relationship with God, but over the years I have grown to admire the Buddhist religion and, if it's safe to say, the culture that encompasses Buddhism. Throughout my college studies, we learned about different religions and Eastern and Western outlooks on life. The idea of Buddhism really inspires my life. The belief that there is no hierarchy in nature embraces a very open and natural culture. I've always been a fan of different cultures and very open to various outlooks on life and have tried to reflect this free and natural notion when decorating my home. Recently my parents travelled to Thailand and picked up this hand-carved, three piece Buddha face. It's beautiful, simple and the wood is so raw that it really compliments my style.

Below are some items I found in local stores that I find would be contemporary accents to enhance my appreciation for nature. 

Buddha Fountain available at Z Gallerie

Tea Pot Available at Cost Plus World Market

I feel like such a West Elm advertiser - but their product line is really just my style!

Tribal Rug 

Tree Stump Side Table

XoXo,


Nina

Pattern Obsession: Chevron

I know everyone discovered chevron about a few years ago but being that I just became a homeowner, I've absolutely fallen in love with the pattern. For all of you who may not be so familiar with this lovely pattern, here are the chevron bath rugs I just purchased from West Elm (aside from the fact that my lovely blog header is complimented with a grey chevron)

Given my new exciting lifestyle I've pathetically gained the unhealthy habits of hours of blogging while watching the latest episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians. When did my life get so amazing? I digress...

Anyway, back to chevron - my pattern obsession. I guess you could call my blogging habit somewhat useful as I have found plenty of items and ideas that awakened my imagination for decorating my white and bare home. Chevron just happened to be one of those patterns that is simple in it's complexity. It's bold but subtle. Check out some of the inspiring rooms I've discovered over some time....

El Mueble Magazine via MadeByGirl

MadeByGirl blogger, Jen Ramos, recently posted this amazing kitchen featured in El Mueble magazine. El Mueble is a Spanish based design magazine that boasts latin-inspired modern home designs. The kitchen above has white cabinets that compliment the teal chevron backsplash that is homey without being obnoxiously colored.  I would love to have something like this in my house but my thoughts are that my complex granite countertops will just clash with a backsplash like this - great inspiration though. What are your thoughts?

Via Design*Sponge

This "wallpaper" was actually a home DIY project featured on Design*Sponge. I cannot fathom the time and attention to detail this took to complete. You can see the DIY process featured in the link below the photo.  As a girl on a budget, I love finding new DIY ideas that I can do at home - it keeps me busy in a productive way and saves me tons of money. This chevron-inspired wall would be something I'd love to tackle but think wallpaper may just be easier. 

This room is a bold one. I'm definitely impressed although I would never be able to pull this off in my own house. However, on many days I find myself staring off onto my walls thinking of ways to liven them up. I've been thinking of some drapery and think that a bold pattern like this would seriously brighten any dull room.

What are your favorite patterns? Do any of you have recommendations of where I can buy modern fabrics for window coverings?

XoXo,

Nina