Boxwood Clippings

Before I get started I just wanted to let you all know Sarah is posting over at Lil Luna today, be sure to go check her out!

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 When I was a newlywed I saw a lovely homemade sign in a store that I fell totally in love with,

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I thought the sign would be fantastic in the empty space above our bed, but unfortunately it was over $300. There was no way I was coming home with that baby, no matter how cute the sentiment.

Since then I have seen the sign a lot and now think it’s over the top cheesy, and am glad I didn’t spend a fortune on it. However, May will mark our anniversary so I decided a little ‘cheese’ in our home for one month would be acceptable. I decided to make a canvas with the quote to display with one of our engagement photos.

I simply bought canvases from Michaels as well as an alphabet stencil kit like this one. I stenciled out the words in pencil and filled in the letters with horizontal lines using a fine marker. Perfection? No! Simple, inexpensive and a fun little project? Yes!

I kind of like having a little quote to read as I’m coming down the stairs reminding me of the love of my life (how cheesy am I?). I might even keep up my handiwork and make different quote canvases when this one needs to come down.

This week, my favorite ‘pin‘ is this pretty picture,

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A summery, sophisticated beauty, right?

White, navy and camel is one of my absolute favorite color palates. The white jeans and nautical stripes make it season appropriate which could easily be transformed for cooler months with different trousers or shoes…love it!

Recently I’ve been loving Old Navy. Sure, I know when I buy something there it won’t last for years, but seasonal items and accessories have been awesome lately. Also, there is always a sale making it a budget friendly stop for me.

Sure enough, I found a few perfect pieces to achieve this pinterest look:

Metal trim square glasses in brown $9.94

Boat-neck button shoulder tee $12.94

Crossbody saddle purse in natural $11.99

Cross-front sandal in Navy $19.94

Another reason to love Old Navy is Free shipping everyday with $50 purchase, as well as easy returns as most items are returnable in store. Enter ONSAVE20 to receive an additional 20% off through April 29th.

They are also having an amazeballs sale in store. 40% off most clearance items through the weekend. I got a pair of capris for $2 and a t-shirt for the hubs for $1.50. You HAVE TO go and see what you can find!

Finding the right stamps is essential for good reasults. In the past I’ve bought cheap sets from the dollar section at Target or my local craft store, but none have really held up longer than a use or two. Plus the letters always seem to be too thick and tend to bleed.

A couple of weeks ago I was in the Office Depot (with the Mr, and I didn’t want to be there) so I decided to see if they had anything decent in their clearance isle, and I’m happy to report I found a couple of great things. THIS stamp kit, down to $15, and these tags down to $1 for 100.

Stamping comes in go great for things you can’t run through the printer, but also to give everything a one of a kind look.

So, the morel of the story is to keep your beady eyes pealed for clearance items anywhere you go…little treasures can be found anywhere!

Wedding season is upon us, and with that comes a responsibility to get the happy couple a fabulous gift to help celebrate their new lives together.

Last year we discovered the perfect gift that’s great for any couple, and with a price tag that can’t be beaten.

These Monogrammed Mugs from Anthropologie are just $6 each, and great for either the couple who has everything, or the one who as nothing.

His and Her mugs…too cute!

As a bonus, Anthro also has some of the best complimentary gift wrap around. With quality boxes and bags, you just need to add some twine and a card…and ta da you’re all done, now go eat some cake!

It has been insanely sunny outside these last few days, and now all of a sudden I want everything yellow. In high school yellow was my favorite color,  and this summer I am thinking we may have to re-visit my hue of choice in 1999.  So bright and cheery…

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Here’s to a bright and cheery spring and summer :)

Have you guys heard that this is FREE National Park Week? What a deal! To see a complete list of parks participating see HERE.

There’s nothing I’d rather do right now then pack up for good ol’ American road trip, but sadly the hubs is suffocating in finals, and I’m dreaming of freer days.

When we first immigrated we spent the first couple of summers touring some national parks. The red rocks of Utah were the complete opposite to green hills of Cheshire, and we were in awe. Now that I’m married it’s fun to revisit and show the Mr places he’s not yet been.

Yellowstone is my absolute fave. What’s yours?

(PS. If you’re planning to spend sometime in the park, always inquire about any special offers. For example at Yellowstone you can by a souvenir cup and receive free refills throughout your stay…always a plus.:)

Happy Friday everyone! Today I’d like to share my absolutely favorite salad. It’s the easiest salad you could ever make, as well as being super healthy and delicious.

I love to make it when I come home s-t-a-r-v-i-n-g and want to consume the first thing I see (usually potoato chips!). I know this salad will only take 10 seconds to make, will fill my growling stomach immediately and save my calories for dinner.  It is also my go-to side dish that perfectly compliments any entree!

Spring Mix packaged salad

Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fresh ground pepper and Salt to taste

Greens, healthy fats and the most basic of seasonings equals one back to basics salad. Ina would be proud! Do you have a go-to salad? It’s salad season again and I’m ready for some new ideas, how about you?

For those of you who live in a small space you probably understand when I say that the kitchen can be one of the most challenging areas. No pantry, no cupboards, no space! Forget about Costco’s bulk items or food storage, there is barely room for cereal!

I have used every square inch and have pretty much mastered our little kitchen over the last 2.5 years. I thought I’d share a few of my tips today…

Ask any professional organizer their number one tip in organization. Answer: De-clutter! It doesn’t matter how big your house is, if you have too much stuff the space will be cluttered and non-functional. I am a big fan of getting rid of things you don’t use.

However, I kind of have a thing for pretty kitchenware, and although I don’t need five cake stands, I like to mix it up and use a different stand every time I make a cake. It’s the same theory as wearing the same dress every Sunday…who wants to do that? The same rule that applies in my closet also goes in my kitchen. If I’m using it I’ll make room, if not then out it goes.

The only space available for cake stands and ‘occasional’ items was right on top of the upper cabinets. Ideally I would like this to be empty, but I guess my ‘need’ for cake stands meant our kitchen was going for more of a ‘country’ feel. At first I was reluctant, but I put up a strand of rope lights which creates a nice glow at night. I’ve actually quite enjoyed looking at my pretty dishes when they’re not in use.

The space next to the fridge is a dark, deep corner. It is impossible to use as a work area as the space is simply too tight. I decided to add this cube lamp to brighten the corner and line the countertop with my bulk baking supplies that were overcrowding cabinet space. I also placed the kitchenaid at the edge of the counter. This set up allows for perfect access for baking, as everything I need is within an arm’s reach (smaller baking supplies now have plenty of room in the cupboard directly above this corner).

I also hang my pans right above the sink, again freeing precious cupboard space. I love not having to struggle in a cupboard finding the right pan. Oh, and check out my famous Dualit, which of course deserves counter space.

I now at least have a few cupboards for cereal and a little food. It’s been pretty great set up. I might even be a little sad when we leave this little space someday, just not for too long!

You all know we LOVE our sales, but we really do freak out over clearance. Yesterday I was in my local Target and noticed that the Easter stock had gone to 90% off, while I was celebrating and happy rooting through what was left, I couldn’t help but notice that I was the only one in the isle, I wanted to scream “90% off people, you can’t get better than this!”.

Then I looked at what I was purchasing, and thought maybe people didn’t need what I needed, or maybe they just wouldn’t use it the way I would. If that’s the case, we wanted to share a little secret that we think is quite nifty.

As always we try to look at things differently, in a more useful way for us. Chocolate is never a bad thing, especially at 90% off, however you may not want a chocolate bunny or Santa hanging around the house, even if the shelf life is pretty long.

So, what do you want hanging around the house? How bout some chocolate chunks for baking? Simply chop up your chocolate, and seal in a ziplock.

What you see pictured is 7oz and cost me 39 cents…that’s way cheaper than the regular chips. :)

One of the best things about Target is that they are constantly getting new stock, so there’s always lots of new lovely things to look at. But more than that, they introduce us to fabulous designers at a price point we love.

Mara Mi’s new stationary line at Target is flipping beautiful. Lots of bright colours, with bold patterns. It’s all so lovely I want to by the entire collection; but here are a couple of my favorite items:

The Hot Layered Invitation Kit  would be perfect for a baby announcement. Just add a black and white photo of the little princess, and tadaaa…a modern announcement for only $29 for 30, thats like $1 each. Paired with matching Thank You Cards ($12.99 for 50) you can’t go wrong.

These yellow items had me instantly feeling summery, wouldn’t they be lovely for a summer birthday gift?. The Lemon Note Cards are $6.99 for 15, I’m totally dying over the envelopes. The Journal Set is only $7.99, perfect to document your summer delights.

Check out their entire collection for Target HERE, or in store, and Mara Mi’s website HERE.

In attempt of making things a little more green around here, I’ve bought a few plants.  I know succulents are old news when it comes to home decor, but I couldn’t help sharing.

Although I come from a long line of green thumbs, every living plant I have brought into the apartment has lived a very a short life. I am hopeful these low-mai plants will be happy and healthy in the the center of our coffee table for at least a few months.

I found these little succulents at Ikea for $2.99. The dark terracotta plant pots are from Walmart for $1. I think they would make a great under $5 present tied up with twine and a tag.

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I am also liking this look of succulents in hurricane vases, another option for the coffee table during hot summer months. Have you had any experience with these plants? Any suggestions?

We have the fever again of being totally excited at the possibility of winning the HGTV 2012 Green Home. The whole house is stunning but I am totally smitten with the exterior:

white + stonework + boxwoods = stunning!

 As always, I am loving these more traditional elements with the modern railings, and crisp architectural lines.

Just like the dream home, you can enter twice daily for your chance to win this stunner until June 1st!

One of my favorite foods when I was a wee lass, was toasted crumpets. Sometimes mum would serve them with melted cheese on top, and sometimes just with butter and jam. Simple and delicious.

But it wasn’t until our lastest trip to Seattle that we found a little crumpet shop at Pike Place Market, that served them with pesto and tomatoes. Oh boy, I fell in love all over again! My childhood fave all grown up!

Since then they’ve been our “go-to quick-fix” meal in the Faubus house, as it takes less than 5 mins.

I toast them first, then spread a thin layer of pesto. Add 1/2 a deli slice of cheese (we like Muenster or Havarti), then add a couple of sliced tomatoes. Broil till cheese is melted then finish with a pinch of grated salt + pepper.

We stock up at Trader Joe’s whenever we’re in Cali (they’re only $2.25 for a pack of 8), and freeze them. But I’m thinking homemade would be even better, so I’m going to try THIS recipe as soon as my stock runs out.

Do you have any childhood faves that you’ve added a grown up twist to? We’d love to hear. :)

Hi folks! I am contemplating a project and need your help deciding whether to proceed…

Here’s the deal: I have been saving a gazillion thrift store frames that were left over from another project. They have been crowding the apartment for sometime now and I need to use them or get rid! When I first purchased them, I was thinking of painting the frames white so I didn’t mind the 70′s oak wood; but now I am liking a mix of wood frames together to create a more rustic and vintage vibe.

I’m going for this type of look:

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I also have some beautiful floral prints from an old book I found at a thrift store. All of the prints are: yellow, peach, and coral roses. They have been eagerly been waiting spring to displayed.

Since I have been dreaming about a gallery wall in the living room, I’m thinking these old frames and pretty prints could mix well together. I am hoping the cohesive prints will balance out the mix of wood/less than attractive frames and make a big statement. I also think the mix of wood would bring a little masculinity to the feminine prints (you guys know my house would be completely white, pink and gold if I could…poor Brad).

I am worried about wasting time by getting the prints in the frames, up on the wall, and then hating it. But, if it does work I’d be happy to invest the time, since the prints were $1 total and the frames were $.50-$1 each.

This is the layout I am thinking:

Should I give it a try? Or just donate the frames back to the thrift store without looking back?

Thoughts please!!!

As promised on yesterday, I’m back to mention a sale going on this month at Ikea. Their Merete curtains are on sale this month for only $19.99 a pair, with your Ikea family card (see HERE).

When we first moved into our house, we used them on all our large windows on the main level. I remember them being more expensive, perhaps $35 a set…so this is definitely a good deal.

(my living room)

Comparing prices online, confirmed this is a great price; as Target has theirs priced at $34.95 (HERE), and West Elm’s are $69.00 (HERE).

Below are a couple of different ways they could be used:

White is always a go to for me, as it makes spaces even brighter. However, if you’re not in love they also come in brown, purple and beige.

And as always be sure to hang them as high as possible to elongate your room :)

Last week we met up at Ikea to look over some things for a client. We were caught off guard when we arrived before the store had opened; but luckly the cafe was open, so we thought we’d snag a little breakfast while we waited.

For 99 cents you get a plate of bacon, hash browns and eggs. We admit the bacon is not the best, but the hash browns were especially delish.

I also had my Ikea family card which gets me a free tea or coffee with every visit. I traded mine out for a creamy hot chocolate, and you betcha I was a happy lady for breakfast under a buck!

To see if your Ikea offers Ikea family discounts look HERE for more information. You’ll want to sign up for sure if you haven’t already. Their monthly specials are usually pretty good…but more on that later this week. :)

It has been a looong week. I am ready for weekend!

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Happy Easter! We hope you all have a peachy weekend…

Now that the evenings are getting rapidly longer, my energy level is perking up and I’m much less inclined to spend the evening in front of the telly. However, there are two shows Em and I are head over heels for, and simply can’t get enough of…are you watching?

First, Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis:

This guy was the star of Flipping Out; a show about flipping houses but with more drama and swear words (beeped out) than you can imagine. We quickly fell in love with Jeff for his brutal honestly, short temper, and insane interior design talent. Do you remember when we went Casa Vega to see his work?! See HERE.

His new show Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis is even better than his last. We get more Jeff along and his assistant Jenny, as they spend a week moving in with a client family as they completely transform a room or two. It’s an intense journey, but Jeff keeps us cracking up along the way. The final reveal of the space is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, and leaves us drooling every time.

Then there’s Giuliana + Bill:

What started out a cute show about an adorable couple, quickly became more intense when the couple decided to share their unexpected journey of infertility. As we began to follow them through their journey, we fell more in love with their relationship, attitude and sense of humor.

This season kicked off a couple of nights ago, when Giuliana shared her new challenge of being diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a bit of a tear jerker, but ultimately the show ended feeling upbeat, with their positive attitudes ready to conquer all. It really is inspiring to see such a devoted couple face real life changes with grace and bravery.

We simply think they are AMAZEBALLS (we stole your word Giuliana :).

Visit HERE, and HERE for more details about these shows.

As part of spring cleaning, I’ve put away all my colored pillows and have a complete white, clean palate to start over for spring. I’m been online window shopping to check out the new and bold pillows of the season for inspiration, but I kept on thinking about two of my favorite pinterest images:

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I kinda wish my favorite pics are turquoise or pink for spring, but gray is still my color. I’m sorry for my obsession with it! I kind of think a cool gray can be a bit too cold to use a lot of during winter months, so I think it will be perfect for the warmer weather.  Anyone else with me? I found a fabulous Etsy store of a local girl in Bountiful, Utah who features beautiful fabrics, beautiful workmanship, and beautiful prices!

grey gotcha pillow cover $16.95

grey chipper pillow $16.95

grey suzani pillow cover $16.95

Pretty perfect right?! If I don’t have all of you convinced, Tara has many other beautiful and bold color palettes to chose from.

Since the hubs has been back in school, I’ve had to look for big ways to cut back. Clinique is my go to beauty brand; having been a consultant for them I know and love most of their products. However, having EVERY item from them is just not doable these days.

The ELF cosmetics caught my eye on my last visit to Target, (I think it may have been because their new line has all white packaging)…anyhow, the natural compact  looked so soft and not too shimmery so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

Even with my sensitive skin, I was really impressed with it, especially because it was only $3!

Click on image to see me blink!

What do you guys think? Good enough, right?