Decorating Tips and Tricks - Fireplace Mantel

Fireplace mantels are often a focal point in your home, whether operating or not. (Unfortunately, mine is non-functioning.) However, the functionality of your fireplace has nothing to do with how great it looks! 

In Texas you really don't get much use out of it, but sometimes it's just nice to have a fire in the wintertime (Yes, it does get cold here in the winter. Just not for very long.) 

I like to mix patterns and shapes to give it an interesting look

Some people think less is more. Some people think more is well, more. I think: Whatever you like is how you should do it. Not everyone will like your style but if you enjoy it then go for it. After all, aren't you the one that is going to look at it day after day? That's what I thought. 

So, here a few tips and tricks for decorating your mantel:

* It doesn't matter your style - more or less - levels are the most important!

* Be eclectic - your mantel should represent you

* Show off some of your own work - everyone has a little artist in them

* Mirrors - mirrors are a great way to add character as well as opening up a room

* Work with it - If you don't like it start over 

(I worked with mine for days, changing my mind and moving things around)

Note some family pieces and original artwork

Owls!

* Statement pieces - you really want something to draw the observers eye 

* Texture - you don't want it all to have the same surface, BORING! 

*Pattern - mix it up! Give your eyes a ride; it's much more fun!

Also some things to consider are your colors. You don't have to necessarily match them, but more importantly, coordinate them.

Well, there you have it! I hope this helps you out; so go and re-do your mantel. I know you want too. 

P.S. Not an expert, I just do this for a living. 

--Amanda

Spring is Among Us

As spring and summer are fast approaching us, the only thing on my mind is ... HOT. And in every sense of the word. In Texas is starts to warm up pretty quick and I can't stand it. There, I said it. I can't stand the summer and I equally despise the heat. I wish it could be fall time all year, but alas, it cannot.

One thing about summer is that I never feel "pretty". I guess that's the simplest way to put it. When I walk outside sweat is instantly drawn to the surface to smudge any makeup and frizz any efforts to smooth my hair. Then I just feel gross the rest of the day.

However, even if my attempts are futile, I still manage to put forth some effort to look decent in the hot months of Texas.

Tank: H&M
Shorts: Forever 21

Sometimes I feel as if I am in mourning during the summer. Hahaha.

Boots: Thrifted 

Cropped Tank: Forever 21
Shorts: Forever21
Belt: Thrifted
Shoes: Forever21

I guess the best I can do with my hair is to let it be more natural in the summer. It's naturally frizzy so I try my harest to make it look decent, but sweat as a hair product is not usually my ideal technique for manageable hair.

But, I guess a girls got to do what a girls got to do. 

Boots and Rilakkuma

Have you ever put an outfit together just for your shoes? Ya, I knew it. I have several pairs of shoes that I often build an outfit around. I decided to utilize my stirrup leggings that I got at a thrift store. I think that last time I wore stirrup leggings was when I was eight in the 90's. So, I decided to bust them out again.

End result: 

Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt : Forever 21
Long Camisole: H&M
Black Stirrups: Thrifted
Grey Ankle Heeled Booties: Forever 21

I also adore my Rilakkuma Phone case! It's actually really comfy in my hand and not too bulky. 

I swear one of these days I'll get a decent camera so you can see better what i'm wearing. 

Gradient Glitter Nails

Happy friday! I hope everyone is having a great day! Me? I get to go car shopping! It's exciting but annoying at the same time. I got in a wreck a few days ago (it was not my fault!) and fully paid off 2007 Toyota Yaris was completely totaled. I know sad day but, what can you do about it?

I was at my sisters house and she had the cutest gray gradient nails! I just had to replicate them (using different colors of course)

Anyway, with out further ado my gradient nails! For this project I used Orly Nail Laquer in Cotton Candy:

I also used Etude House Nail Polish (The white one):

I started with a base coat of the Orly Polish (two coats) and let them dry. I put a clear top coat on and let it dry completely! Next I put a thin coat of the Etude nail polish over all the nail. After that I went back and and just put a coat halfway up the nail (this is how you get the gradient effect). I think they turned out pretty good! 

After that dried I finished with a clear top coat! Try it yourself in different colors.

Sunday Funday Fashion Post

No, I don't have a fancy camera, maybe one day. But, if you love clothes and fashion as much as I do then it doesn't really matter does it?

Cardigan: Forever 21
Tank: Ross
Jeggings: Maurices
Bullet Necklace: Gift

Boots: Thrifted

Maybe one day i'll get rich and be able to afford the right equipment to make these post pretty. But, for now, this will have to do!

Happy Sunday 

Small Change

    As some of you know, my Husband, Mother-in-law, and I have started a small time vintage store:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Small-Change/368051516599774?fref=ts

   No, unfortunately we don't have a brick-and-mortar location or a real website, but it is still exciting none the less. One of the best parts is using it in your home until you find something even more interesting to replace it with.

   I've actually learned a lot about "junk", what's worthless, what's not-so-worthless, and what it's worth to other people. Some say things are worth what you are willing to pay for it. (But it's so much more fun to find it cheap!)

Take this little guy for example:

   We sold him for $75! The lady that bought him runs a store in uptown Dallas. So now she is selling him for $240!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. It just goes to show that if it's worth it to you, get it. 

   At the last sale we were at I fell completely in love with this rug. Thomas, not so much. Well, I waited too long to make a move and someone bought it out from underneath me. But then my eye hit that little jewel behind it. The blue rug was a $300 rug from Anthropologie (drool). I wanted it! She had $60 (and to be honest, I probably woud have bought it for that) but she sold it for $40! But to me, it was worth it! It all just depends on how you thing

I finally have a house and kept thinking to myself, how to have a grown up house, but not be boring?!

(I love my house!)

This is NOT a rhetorical question! It's simple. You have to learn to offset things. Place something grownup around something (you) might find fun and interesting!

   I find the best part of starting up this small business is finding pieces that are grownup AND fun! You get the best of both worlds. 

I want it all

There are so many cool blogs out there on decorating and designs. Maybe someday I will put my house on a blog because it looks neat. But, for now, i'll just envy others, like this bathroom: