Feeling Blue

I put an offer on a house yesterday... and I didn't get it. I'm pretty bummed. It was a beauty and it got away. 

And that's the end of my wallowing! Instead, I'm just going to continue to look forward to when I find the one {house and husband, of course... haha}.

One thing I realized as I was picturing myself in this home, is that I'm really craving a shade of relaxing blue in my bedroom. Here's some inspiration:

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domino

Cozy up? Don't mind if I do!

It All Started With a Rug

So I've been pinning the heck out of kilim rugs lately. 

left / center / right

Like I luff, lurve, love them. I think the colors are fantastic. I tend to lean towards the ones that have some pink in them {good thing I'm a single gal and don't have to pass my design decisions by a dude!}, a bright, vibrant magenta to be more specific. And a little navy/taupe/orange/yellow or combination thereof doesn't hurt either. These rugs are a fun way to incorporate a good dose of color! I want that one in the middle for an informal family room area. 

And if I could have one in my kitchen, too, I'd design my whole space around it, like so:

Rug: Sadly, no longer available, but a great inspiration for what I'll be looking for when I settle into my humble abode! {approx. $850}

Placemat: West Elm does a great version of the dip dye, but I've been itching to DIY something like this, too! {$14 for 2}

Copper Canisters: Loving touches of copper in design lately! It's a nice alternative to the traditional silver and gold. Plus, the texture of these guys is ahhh-mazing! {$90}

Table: Spoiler alert! I bought myself a kitchen table this past weekend. Who buys a kitchen table before she has a kitchen? This GIRL! It's not this one, it's better!!! But I'll save the big reveal for when it's parked in my place... soon! {$799}

Chair: Ya, no surprise here... love mixing in the industrial touch. My kitchen is meant to have these chairs {I've only talked about them here and here!}, although, I'm thinking the mint green is a must have for me, so I'll have to keep that in mind as I'm searching for my kilim. {$145}

Mia the Mixer: Of course she'll be front and center in my kitchen! {$450}

Art: Love the chalkboard look. Actually, I'm planning on incorporating a chalkboard wall in my future space, but a little touch on the inspiration board doesn't hurt! {$15}

Tea Towel: Pulling out some of the more understated colors in the kilim is a must. This little towel does just that! And it's a bargain. {$5}

Tea Cup: Of course I go for the polka dots. {$12}

So who wants to come over for dinner once this all comes together? Come one, come all!

Inspired to Write

It truly is my goal to become a better blogger. What do I mean by better? Well, for one, I want to be more consistent. For me personally, there is nothing better than starting my day reading my favorite blogs. It's like starting my day hearing from a friend. I feel like it just starts my day off on the right foot! I hope to be that place for others, someday. Secondly, I want to develop better content. I always feel like I'm cheating my loyal readers {which probably only consists of my Mom and sister... thanks fam!} when I throw together a quick post, instead of really putting thought into what I want to talk about. Now, don't get me wrong... everyone loves a good quote every once in a while and that may be all you need to get you through the day, so I'll still post those short and sweeties every here and there, but for the most part, I want this to be a place where I can keep the ideas I have for my wardrobe, my someday house, the parties I'm going to throw, the food I'm going to make eat... you get the picture.

There it is. Out in the open. Now I'm holding all of you accountable for keeping me to it!

Maybe I'd be a better blogger if I had a new desk to sit at when I write? Ha! Probably not, but it is a good excuse to take a look!

Many of my favorite bloggers have been featuring items from Target's new{ish} Threshold Collection and I am smitten. Target does it again! Love so many of the pieces and I think the desk collection is no exception. I'd take one or all of these in my house!

Bright and white: I think this one looks glam. Of course the ideas would just be flowing like crazy sitting at a spot like this! {Hamilton Desk $129}

Industrial: the love affair with industrial continues... at such an affordable price, this might be a must have. {Mixed Material Desk $99}

Campaign: I've seen so many campaign DIY projects that have been tempting to try, but this desk might just be a short cut. {Campaign Desk $149}

Not-So-Mellow-Yellow: this desk just looks happy! Clean, simple and bright! {Windham Desk $169}

Which would inspire you to write?

Come and Knock On My Door

As I'm perusing houses and figuring out just what it is I want to buy, one thing is for sure... If a house wants me to notice it, it must have a brightly colored front door!

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Which would you pick???

Friday 5: Brighten Up!

Happy Friday! Here are a few products to brighten up your wardrobe, home, skin and your day!!!

1. Love the neon pop of this pillow! The neutral base of this fabric with the bright floral pattern is a great combo. And at such an affordable price, why not add a little punch to your decor? {pillow $20}
2. We already know how obsessed I am with Fresh Cosmetics products, as proven here and here, I think this is the next product I need to try. My skin has been a mess lately... darn you, stress! This might be the answer to my prayers! {Rose Face Mask $55}
3. Still dream shopping for that house I'm hunting for! Can't wait to infuse happiness and bright colors in every room! {runner $165}
4. These colors are great! I think this necklace would look cute over a navy and white striped top or put together with your favorite go-to maxi dress. {necklace $48}
5. Stationary can be so fun... these Jonathan Adler cards would for sure brighten your day! If for no other reason, I want the cute box it comes in to collect trinkets that end up on my desk... I'm looking at you, lip gloss! {stationary set $15}

DIY with some drama?

So I have a love/hate relationship with wallpaper.

Hate it because I had to live with the same Laura Ashley pink ribbons until my awkward teenage years when all I wanted was anything-but-pink {sorry Mom... I know you still love that wallpaper and miss it each day!}... it seriously was the nursery that lasted til I was nineteen! And I also really despise the process of removing wallpaper. My sister and I once tried to surprise our parents while they were out of town over a weekend by taking down their outdated bathroom wallpaper and painting the walls, but in the process we ruined the walls {again, sorry Mom!}.

But, I do love the wallpaper from a design aspect. I think there are some really stellar options out there. Colors, patterns, all around gorgeousness.

Will I be a homeowner that takes the wallpaper plunge? Verdict is still out and I'll keep you updated, but for now, here is an option that has really caught my eye:

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Dramatic, huh? Nothing like taking the wallpaper plunge with an oversized print in a color combo like black and white!

I'm thinking this could also be a cool DIY with some drama! Using supplies like so:

Think I could do it? I think so! Watch out new house... I'm coming for you! When I finally find you!

Friday 5: I need it all!

1. How beautiful is this watercolor by Lourdes Sanchez? I think I should attempt a DIY... haha! I wish! {Painting sadly, no longer available}
2. I'm think the painting in #1 and a pair of these sconces would be cute with the rug I had my eye on last week! {sconce $151}
3. And I should wear these cute sandals while I'm out on the house hunt this weekend! {mini wedge $150}
4. Ok, these are a must have. Love the interesting shape, plus they're on sale. You know me... can't miss a sale! By the way, who's picked up there favs during the Sake f&f Sale? {Kate Spade studs $25}
5. I've been on a cookies and cream kick lately! I can't seem to get enough Oreo cookie goodness! I think I'll give Mia a mixing break this weekend and satisfy my sweet tooth with this concoction! {Oreo Muddy Buddies}

Friday 5: Now & Later

For today's Friday 5, I've chosen a few items that I'm ready to put to good use NOW and one for later!

1. Oh hey, Nordy! I'd love to take this cute eyelet skirt off your hands in any or all of the colors offered! What a cute summer essential! {eyelet skirt $49}
2. So this is my Friday pick for later... you see, I don't need this cute rug in my life right now, but I've had my eye on it for a while and it's on sale. No room for it in my house now, but since I'm on the house hunt, it might just be perfect for where I end up! And yes, I realize it's from PB Teen, but have you seen some of the great home items they have for non-teens? {mini dot rug $240}
3. Just added these cute flats to my collection. I've been on the hunt for the perfect leopard flats ever since my pup chewed up my forever favorite Banana Republic pair when she was a puppy... mind you, Lola turned 5 this week, so yea, I've been on the hunt for a while! Worth the splurge for me... and I snatched them up during a Kate Spade 25% off friends and family sale! {terry leopard haircalf flat $228}
4. How many pairs of sunglasses is too many pairs of sunglasses? And how similar is too similar? If I didn't have to justify those two questions, these babies would already be mine! They're like an Audrey Hepburn version of a classic. {Ray-Ban thick cat-eye Wayfarer $144}
5. Every color I'm planning on frequenting this summer all in one scarf. It's like one stop shopping. You need this in your closet, too. You'll thank me later. {spring garden infinity scarf $48}

A Little Color Never Hurts

So as I'm out and about on the hunt for my first house, I've noticed an interesting trend... I seem to like any house that has a bright front door! It's just so happy!

Well, in continuation of that theme, I also think bringing a little color inside is the key to a happy home! You know I've talked about it a bit here, here and here, but of course there's more...

A little color goes a long way! These cute side tables pack a punch. 

green / red / yellow / blue

I'll take one of each. Please and thank you!

Industrial Chic Strikes Again!

So I think industrial kitchen chairs are actually finding me now, rather than the other way around! I've already talked about the look here and here, but if I were to pull the trigger on incorporating them into my imaginary home today, I think I'd have to go for red!

Like so:

Censational Girl

Don't you just love the mix of the industrial chairs with the rustic farmhouse-like table? I think the pop of red is the perfect compliment to the worn-wood look.

Apartment Therapy

Well these chairs aren't necessarily industrial, but they are a great red! And those black french doors... LOVE.

Design Sponge

So much goodness in this picture! Love the aqua-teal wall color with the red chairs... Turquoise and Red have always been a fav color combo or mine, and this is a pretty lovely version. The table is also really interesting - from the shape, to the natural texture, to the industrial green legs. Also loving the rug. What am I not loving in this picture? That cra-cra-crazy chandelier. Eeeeek. Please exit stage left, crazy legs.

But like I said, versions of industrial chairs keep finding me! Don't know how they got my name or address, but Home Decorators Collection mysteriously sent me a random catalog the other day. What was in it? 

Tomato Red Industrial Chairs. Go figure. For indoors or out! Double bonus!

Mornings Are Not My Friend

Anyone else having trouble getting up and getting their act together this week? Seriously! I don't know what's hit me, but I can't seem to resist the snooze button two three four times!

Maybe if I had a pretty sink vanity like so I'd be more excited to pop right out of bed in the morning!

oldie but goodie photo from Cottage Living

Let's Have a Disco!

I was going through some old pictures that I had saved in the days before Pinterest and found a little bit of a theme that can only be described as "disco." No, I don't want to hang disco balls throughout my house, however,  I do think that mirrored-ish mosaic tiles can be pretty chic! Anywhere!

Another house bucket list item, I guess! 

Sorry I don't have sources... I'm working on finding them! Ohhh the days before Pinterest!

Bandwagon

Yep. I jumped on it... the washi tape bandwagon, that is. You've probably seen it out there in the blog world and on pinterest.

Design Sponge did a great little spot on washi tape a few months back and ever since, I've been thinking of ways I could use it!

So that's my crafty purchase for the week! Stay tuned and I'll share what I use them for once they arrive!

images via Design Sponge

Gift Guide: For the Homie

It's time for another edition of the ella.bella.bea&flo Gift Guide! This time let's focus on a few gifts for the home. Here are a few gifts I'd be thrilled to receive:

1. Etched Letter: You know me... when all else fails, go for something personalized. This is an easy win.

2. Highball Set: I think it's my recent Mad Men addiction that has me interested in barware. I wouldn't mind using these to start my collection.

3. Pom Pom Throw: Everyone needs a cozy blanket... why not add some fun with pom poms?

4. Floor Poof: Extra seating and extra comfort. Sounds like a winning combination to me!

5. Soap: Not only a great gift for a home body, but it would make a great hostess gift, too! I love anything Fresh Cosmetics!

6. Frame: Lots of framable moments over the past year! A cute nephew, first family photos my parents actually were in, great trips with great friends, my best friends wedding, and the list goes on!!! Frames on my list for sure!

7. Storage Bins: I love to organize and when it's done in cute containers, I'm in heaven!

Still looking for more gift ideas? For your BFF, for Him, for Her or for the Tech Savvy!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Plates 'o Plenty

When it comes to my imaginary future house, I've shared with you that I want fun pops of color, a great closet and leopard carpet somewhere {not everywhere}.

Here's another peak at what I want to incorporate into Casa de Katie:

Sorry, but I don't have sources for these great inspiration images. Before Pinterest was around, I treated my desktop like a personal Pinterest and would save any images I liked there. 

I have collected a variety of plates over the past five years or so. Mostly from Anthropologie and a few vintage finds. And I think I might need to be adding these dessert plates by Tracy Reese for Target + Neiman Marcus Collection.

Maybe I'll add them to my Christmas list...

Done and Done: Part 2

I've done it again! I've completed my promised DIY for the week! {You can check out week 1 here if you'd like :)}

This time around, I found inspiration from a couple of my favorite blogs: Bower Power {Katie Bower is hi-lar-ious!} and Little Green Notebook {I think Jenny Komenda is a genius... I live my NYC dream life vicariously through her!}.

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Do you spy with your little eye what I spy with my little eye? The painted edges on the black and whites add an extra POP. Now, I didn't go as far with my craft project to try the engineer print like the gals above {although that is a project on my list someday}, but I did get fancy this black and white that I look at everyday...

ugh, I know... awful iPhone photo again!

Audrey hangs on the wall in my room and serves as a daily reminder to be classy and stylish. 

So what color did I choose as my pop? 

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PINK of course! If Audrey believes in it, then so do I!... and truth be told, I love pink and realize I need to get my fill of it while I'm single because I'm sure my future hubby won't share the same sentiment towards the girly color! 

Here's a little play-by-play:

I used paint that I already had on hand from a former project... just went back to my elementary school education and mixed red and white together to make pink! I ended up only using the paint brush to mix my paint. The foam brush was my tool of choice when it came to dressing up Audrey's sides. I went back and forth considering whether or not to tape off the sides or to freehand this project, but in the end, I decided better safe than sorry.

After taping, I got my paint on...

And after a couple of coats of bright pink and a night of drying time, Audrey was ready to back up on the wall with her fresh new facelift!

Ahhhh! It's the little things in life like a POP of pink that make me smile!

Look what a big difference a little bit of paint makes!

Industrial Chic

If I had to choose one style for home that I generally favor it would be traditional... but with a twist! You already know I love to add a little pop to home decorating with color and pattern, but another style that has been catching my eye lately is a touch of industrial.

Whether you choose to incorporate it with a piece of furniture:

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Or make a big statement in a small space:

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Me oh my! I LOVE that bathroom on the left. House bucket list item: make that bathroom happen!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Done and Done

Were you guys getting worried that I didn't complete my promised DIY for the week?

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Well, I DID! One thing I learned for sure is I need to step up my camera game for this here blog... the iPhone just won't cut it! Sorry for the not-so-great pictures, but at least there is some proof that I got my craft on!

I also need to make a note to myself not to take pictures in the evening when it is d.a.r.k! {Thanks a lot day light savings time!} 

I really like the way the crafts turned out. My plan is to pick up white pieces here and there and tie them together with a little golden updating. I'll be sure to keep you all updated as the "collection" comes along. I even added a little surprise in the bowl {which, by the way, is much shinier and golden in person... again, bad camera and lighting... darn it!}... anywho the surprise that makes me happy:

A little surprise initial inside. Ohhhh the small joys in life!

You know what is a HUGE joy in life? FRIDAYS. Happy Friday to all! Have a great weekend! I'm off to cheer on my Jayhawks tonight for the first official basketball game of the season... Can't wait to be back in Allen Fieldhouse. ROCK CHALK.

More Leopard Lovin'

Well it's no secret that I have a love for anything leopard as proven in my round-up here and shoe choice here, but I have a confession to make. My love for animal prints doesn't stop at leopard and it doesn't stop at my wardrobe... 'Hi, my name is Katie and I have an addiction to animal prints anywhere and everywhere I can get them.' {It's true... even my dogs favorite toy is a leopard squeaky bone!} 

Lola

See? Obsessed.

Anyway, one of the things I love most about animal prints is the statement it makes. Whether it's just a touch of leopard/zebra/spots-of-some-sort or all over animal print goodness, I think it shows a confidence in style choice and a healthy does of FUN.

I've shared with you all part of my leap list, but I have a bucket list going as well for some of the bigger life accomplishment/goal items. {I'll share the full run-down with you eventually... just have to work up the courage to actually put it out there for the world to see!} One of the things on my bucket list is to buy a house and make it my own, and of course making it my own will include animal prints. Duh! 

Here are a few ways to add the wild side to your home:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

So whether it's just a chair behind your desk, a coffee table book or a pillow, you can see that a little bit goes a long way!

Or you could go all out with larger choices:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Yep. I want leopard carpet somewhere in my house {#3 is my favorite!}... maybe in my dream closet! I said it here, folks! Now I must stick to it...

Go for the Gold

Now that I have a little time off from travel, I think need to get back in touch with my inner crafter! 

I have eight weeks between now and when I hit the road again, so I'm making a one-project-per-week goal. {Whoa! I just said that out loud, so now I really have to stick to it.} You better believe I'll keep you lovely people posted here on da blog.

First up: Something gold...

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I think I'll start with the picture in the middle... I already have a 4-pack of frappuccino's just waiting to keep me caffeinated this week! 

Stay tuned for my crafty after pics!