The Bar That Dreams Are Made Of..

This is what our bar looked like at Christmas time - 

When I hung the dollar store bells, I realized what our bar is missing...lights! So I of course commissioned The Mister to engineer the ish out of it and hang some lights for me. I have been searching for some inexpensive options..

Ikea

Etsy

Although I love an industrial look, the bar is really masculine and I am thinking the ones from Ikea are going to be my choice. 

Stay Tuned!

#RichKids of Beverly Hills

I don't really care what anyone says, I.Love.This.Show...hashtag hashtag. 

E! Online

I just found out that this show is loosely based on a Tumblr account called "The Rich Kids of Instagram." It's of course everything you would expect it to be and more. #swoonworthy

Now, of course everyone has something to say about this show...and every show like this. People seem to hate when wealth is being flaunted. I, on the other hand, see the entertainment value in shows like this. People take reality TV wayyyy too seriously. It is used for entertainment...for an escape...a guilty pleasure. 

It's so funny to me when people say that they "hate" people like the #RKOBH or The Real Housewives or The Kardashians. You may hate some of the things that they've done..or hate the way they have presented themselves. But, to say you "hate" someone you have never met and have just seen on (edited) TV is so ludicrous. Don't be that person. If you are going to hate something, do your research and hate it for a reason...not just because you read in HuffPo that you should be hating it. I could seriously go on for hours about this topic but I will leave you with this - In any other aspect of life would you ever just look at someone's Instagram account, see that they posted a picture of a Chanel bag and immediately claim that you hate them? 

#JealousyIsNotAGoodLook

#RichKids of Beverly Hills is on Sunday nights (Following everyone's favorite K family) on E! at 10/9c

Super Mario Trance

You'll have to forgive me for not blogging yesterday. The Mister brought our Wii up from the basement and every spare minute I had (nap time and bed time) was spent playing Super Mario. I grew up playing that exact game, so I am really good at it. So good, that my video game loving husband has to ask me to beat levels for him! I am not, however, as good as people that have gotten world records on the game...apparently there are people that can get through the whole thing in an hour and 25 mins! I can probably get through it in about 5 hours.. #proudrealization

Anywho, this is what my blog was going to be yesterday...

Floor to Ceiling Shelves

For anyone that is looking to make an impact in their house or apartment, I would recommend (at the very least) a set of floor to ceiling shelves. For me, these are such a game changer as far as design goes. They not only offer storage but they also offer the ability to make everything look just a little bit prettier.

I change my shelves every few months or so. And they always get a redo after Christmas. I have changed up these babies more times than I can count. When I do redo them, they always give my apartment a much needed face lift without being too expensive. 

The actual shelves are from Ikea. The bottom four shelves house my magazine collection in the white file folders (Ikea). And the polka dot boxes (which Cy has commandeered) are from Ikea as well. He is a rough little boy and those boxes have not only lasted and looked decent in the process, but they also have not really fell apart. They withstand a one year old's wear and tear. And they were only $2.99 a piece!

#OnceUponATime #DisneyReference 

I have about 5-6 old school cameras. They were part of our wedding centerpieces. Those were honestly one of my best antique store purchases. They look great no matter where you put them.

I finally got around to displaying my new cast iron bookends. Aren't they purdy? And the fire sprinklers fit in perfectly. They are The Mister's personal collection. 

#LifeWithAFireProtectionEngineer

So, for anyone looking for a small (read: cheap) change with a big impact, Ikea shelves are the way to go!

2014 Grammy Awards {Fashion}

Since I live tweeted the entire red carpet and Grammy awards, I am just going to do a quick fashion recap. Top 3. Bottom 3 and Favorite couple.

Top 3 -

Beyonce - Michael Costello

 #BowDown - Okay, so where do I start with Queen B? Well, let me say that dressing Beyonce was probably a huge deal for Michael Costello. For those that don't know who that is, he is a Project Runway designer that dresses a lot of reality stars. So, I am sure this was a big moment for him. And she looks freaking flaw-less, hunny. And that stage outfit?! #swoon

Katy Perry - Valentino

I thought this dress was the ultimate Grammys dress. Katy looked stunning and I am really loving her style these days.

Taylor Swift - Gucci

I am not a super huge Taylor Swift fan. But, there was no denying that gurl looked fierce in this gold number. 

Bottom 3 - 

Ariana Grande - 

Ugh..nude stockings?!?!?!?!

Kacey Musgraves - 

This Armani Prive dress was so much better on the runway. And not appropriate for the Grammys.

Paula Patton - 

It's just not Paula's year for red carpet fashion...

Best Couple - John Legend and Chrissy Teigen 

#fierce 

Grammy Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone! Instead of blogging today, I am going to be live tweeting the Grammy red carpet on E! (#ERedCarpet) and then the actual show. Join me over on the Twitter at 6pm (EST)

@jboons34

Living Room Wall Reveal

I am finally ready to reveal my living room wall! As y'all remember, I painted it black and was waiting until everything was dried and hung to take pictures and reveal it! So, without further ado..here she is! - 

Decidedly Delightful

Decidedly Delightful

#PleaseRemoveYourShoes #AndDontTakeABetterPairWhenYouLeave

Decidedly Delightful

Details - The two faux deer on the left I got at HomeGoods; Lamp - Target; All three wedding canvases we got through our wedding photographer; The shoe sign I got at Francesca's; I got the silver antlers at Tarjay; The Cinderella Castle print I got off of Etsy and I got the frame at HomeGoods; And the other piece of art was also a (on sale) Target purchase!

I really love the way it came out. After looking at these pictures, I am noticing my couch is in desperate need of some chic throw pillows!

Edit - The paint color is "Tuxedo Tie" By Allen and Roth (Valspar)

Fantasy Friday

If money were no object, my dream job would be a Walt Disney World Wedding Planner. As most of you know, I really love planning a party, especially a wedding. Bride and grooms just make me swoon...especially Disney bride and grooms. 

Heidi Ryder Photography

I re-tweeted one of the Disney Wedding's posts about an engagement photo shoot in Disneyland. And then they replied back! Of course, I loved it and it really made me fantasize about what being a Disney Wedding Planner would be like. I imagine it would be just as magical as going to Disney or as one of the weddings...with some family drama and flower arrangements mixed in, of course! 

My philosophy on weddings is that you should and can get whatever your heart desires...And I am pretty sure Disney Wedding Planners have the same philosophy, which is why it would be my dream job..making other people's wedding dreams come true!

In the mean time, I just found out that Disney Weddings has a blog called Ever After Blog so I will be over there pouring over the gorgeous pictures of people in love. 

#truth

#repost

Halloween

Oh, it's only January you say? Well, Halloween is on my mind at least once a day, all year.

Today, I played this for The Mister. 

Sidenote - When do you stop dressing sexy on Halloween? I hope it's never. 

Kourtney Kardashian

My love for the Kardashians is no secret. I know they have a lot of haters and controversy, but I think that's what's great about them. I love them for playing the game so well. They have amazing style and taste and I think that is also, why they are so good at what they do. I (as well as many other women) look to them for style/lifestyle advice every day. 

Which brings me to my girl Kourtney. After seeing her gorgeous home in InStyle I realized she is my Creative Spirit Animal. I could move into this home exactly the way it was and not change a thing (decoratively speaking). Her master bedroom was my favorite and the black and white tee pee in her "piano room" is the tee pee (Land Of Nod) that I have been eyeing for quite some time for the boy's room...Hear that Mister? ;-)

InStyle/GREY CRAWFORD

InStyle/GREY CRAWFORD

Kourt also did a whimsical/Disney inspired photo shoot for The Coveteur in said gorgeous house. She is wearing a Comme des Garçons Mickey hat and a Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy feathered jacket (#swoon). Charli, her new Bengal kitten, makes an appearance in the photo shoot as well! #catlady

Take a look over at The Coveteur for more amazing pictures from the photo shoot!

Other Kardashi-Notes - For all my #KUWTK fans, how cray was the first episode of Season 9?! I feel so bad for Khloe; Bruce Jenner's hair should have it's own Malibu based reality show; Kim and Kanye are my absolute favorite famous couple and I wish they could adopt me so I could live in their palace and wear their clothes; I've realized that a big part of why I watch the Kardashians is because of The Lord; I want a pair of Arthur George socks because, duh. 

Etsy Favorites

I have had a love affair with Etsy since I planned my wedding. If you are wondering how to creatively plan your wedding, Etsy is something you NEED to make it happen. 

By simply looking at my "Items I Love" page on Etsy, you can always see what kind of project I am conjuring up..

For example, I just ordered this gorgeous print for my gallery wall - 

I am thinking about getting this Marilyn print for Halloween next year...

And you of course can't have an Etsy favorites page without a Mean Girls reference...

Let's be friends on Etsy!

Valentine's Day Decor

As I mentioned yesterday, Valentine's Day is popping up all over the place at the C household. Usually the first thing to be decorated is our entertainment center...

  

Also, here is a sneak peek at my lovely new friends The Faux's!

They look amazing against the black wall! Once my print comes in, the living room wall will be finished and I will add pictures and deets.

Musings

My house is slowly but surely getting to it's new and improved post New Year self.. It seems to take for ever to de-trim the house...

Also, Valentine's Day has started popping up around these parts...

#xoxo

Celebrity Gossip

As I was perusing Facebook today I came across this amazing Perez post about Kelly Osbourne's newest Twitter feud. Now, usually I would just read it and keep moving. However, after reviewing said Twitter feud, I think Kelly Osbourne is my new hero. I love her, her purple locks and her attitude. Not to mention she looked so #hawt at The Golden Globes the other night...

 

But, I digress...

Long story short - British Apprentice "villain" Katie Hopkins took a few seriously rude shots at Kelly's mama, @MrsSOsbourne in her magazine column. And then, Kelly lost her mind on Katie in 130 characters or less. This is why I love Twitter. (@jboons34)

Check it out...

http://perezhilton.com/2014-01-16-kelly-osbourne-twitter-feud-katie-hopkins-c-word-used-sharon-osbourne-angry#sthash.UqjTbeu1.dpbs

#Kelly1Katie0

Home Goods and Target Adventure.

Cy and I ran some errands today. Said errands consisted of me swooning over various sparkly things in two of my favorite places in the world...While Cy proceeded to dump Gold Fish on the floor and talk to me in his loud, yet loving and adorable babble. Ah, the life of a stay at home mom.

Despite our adventure, I still managed to make it home with some lovely things...

#blah

 I am looking for things for my newly painted black living room wall. I got this mainly because of the size and color. Overall it's a little bit more bohemian than I usually go but we'll see how everything pans out. The way I usually form a gallery wall is rather organic so I don't really even know what this wall is going to look like when I am done.

#DollarBinFinds 

And finally the pièce de résistance to round out my faux taxidermy kick.. Aren't they purdy? I am already pondering how I am going to dress them up for Halloween and Christmas. 

Boutique Fitness

In 2013 I made the decision to lose my baby weight and get fit. I was never an athletic person so seeing how far I could physically take my body was huge accomplishment for me. Although one of the reasons I joined the gym was to lose the weight, I knew that this had to be a lifestyle change for me. Because of that reason I chose to not step on a scale at all during the year. I wanted to get strong and not let a number define how I felt. I knew weighing myself every day would only discourage me. To this day I couldn't even tell you how much I weigh. What I can tell you, though, is that I can do more push ups than I ever thought I would be able to. And I can also tell you that in 2013 I ran my first 5k.

None of this would have been possible had I not joined my small, local gym, The Edge Fitness For Women. My trainer (and owner of the gym), Natalina Earls posted this on the The Edge's Facebook page the other day about why small fitness studios are the way to go - 

Why boutique gyms are better than big corporate gyms:

Accountability--people notice when you don't show up or don't work to potential

Personal attention--Most corporate gyms give you a couple free "personal training" sessions. in reality, they give everyone the same workout while trying to sell them "real" training. Not me. I write every personal training client specific plans and my small group fitness clients can pick my brain about form, workout issues, weekly regiment, diet, running form etc. I want to help you with YOUR goals. 

Professional attention--the "certifications" many group instructors have at large gyms are simply one day or one weekend worth of education. At a small gym you can make sure your trainer has the education required to obtain a national certification through a reputable institution. Your body is on the line, so be sure your trainer is qualified and knows about alignment and form.

Keep it local--help sustain your local economy and meet people from your neighborhood

The accountability factor is really what kept me going. You get to know everyone you work out with on a very personal level so someone notices when you aren't there. Getting to know people in my neighborhood (specifically, other moms) was another big factor for me. The Mister and I have lived in the neighborhood for close to five years. And after I joined the gym I finally got to meet and make relationships with women and moms that are local to me. 

Joining a boutique gym changed my whole mindset towards working out. It is no longer a chore to go workout (crazy, I know). It's just simply part of my every day life. If you haven't been able to ever stick with a fitness regimen, boutique gyms make be your answer. 

Golden Globes 2014

Award show season is always a favorite. Between the football and the weather, award shows always give me a much needed excitement boost for the spring and for spring Fashion Week. I watched some of the red carpet and all of the actual show. Which is a first for me, I usually just watch the red carpet for the fashion. But of course, I am just as obsessed with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as everyone else so of course I tuned in for the show. Which was absolutely hilarious and so brilliantly done. Those two are ratings gold.

Now, let's talk fashion. We'll start with our hosts...

I lovvvedd Amy's Stella McCartney red carpet dress. I have to say, gurl looks good after her divorce and she is bringing it.

Jason Merritt/Staff

Tina in custom Carolina Herrera on the other hand..Yeah, I didn't love this. She definitely made up for it though with the dress she wore during the show. 

Jason Merritt/Staff

And of course Amy looked fab in another Stella dress during the show as well!

Best/Worst Dressed

Top 3 - Best - 

Reese Witherspoon

Jason Merritt/Staff

Everything about this look is AMAZING. Her body is so sick. Her hair is perf...and that Calvin Klein dress! UGH. It's just so good.

Lupita Nyong'o

Jason Merritt/Staff

One word - Perfection.

 #swoon

And of course, Cate Blanchett

Jason Merritt/Staff

Cate looks absolutely STUNNING in Armani Prive. The back of this dress is even better than the front. She is such a fashionista and I always look forward to seeing what she pulls out every show!

Runner Up (Best) - Sofia Vergara

I love that she went for a more princess-y feel this time. She is usually very va va voom (which I love) in her dress choices so this is a nice little change. And the necklace is MAJ.

Okay, now for the top three Worst..

Berenice Bejo (Giambattista Valli)

Jason Merritt/Staff

This dress did not fit her and she does not look comfortable in it. It is literally swallowing her..

Paula Patton 

Jason Merritt/Staff

Whoever told Paula to wear this dress needs to be fired. She could not even walk in it and it is way too short. In this picture is looks a LITTLE better than it did on stage. But it's still pretty unforgivable.

Lena Dunham (Zac Posen)

Jason Merritt/Staff

I will say that this is better than what we saw her in at The People's Choice awards. But not by much....I don't love the fit and I think the color is off. I have a feeling people are going to disagree with me, but I just don't think she has ever really hit it out of the park fashion wise. 

Runner Up (Worst) - Elisabeth Moss

Jason Merritt/Staff

Elisabeth won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Mini Series or TV Movie. With that being said, I feel like this was so BORING and dull for someone that was nominated and went on to win. 

My pick for best dressed couple is Matthew McConaughey and Camilla Alves In Dolce & Gabbana. 

#perfection

Other Notes - I think Jennifer Lawrence looked beautiful but very bridal; I did NOT like Heidi Klum's look; Sandra Bullock was a close runner up for worst runner up; I loved Zoe Saldana's dress up top but NOT at the bottom; Aubrey Plaza, love her NOT her dress; Leslie Mann looked STUNNING.

I got most of these pictures over at Buzz Feed. Take a look for more Golden Globes 2014 red carpet fashion!