01 November 2015

Creating The Perfect workspace

A friend of mine is moving to the city, and she recently got a job working remotely, which means she is in major need of the perfect work space.  With so many jobs these days being remote, a workspace is becoming almost a necessity when looking for an apartment or house. I myself have been working on the perfect workspace to work on my blog and work from home.

Since my friend loved the area I created for myself, she asked if I would help her out with creating something for her that would inspire and motivate her while also being super functional.  She had a budget of $500, which is totally realistic.  If you are a freelancer, and looking for a workspace that you can bring clients, you can also enlist the services of companies like WeWork if you are looking for something on a larger scale. WeWork offers shared office space options, as well as conference rooms for rent! The memberships are flexible, depending on the needs of your business.

A couple of tips that I have when creating an ideal workspace are to make it something you are proud of and want to be in.  You also want it to be free from too many distractions.  Avoid rooms with TVs or large windows for people watching.  You also want a space that allows for plenty of room to spread out and be creative.

When designing a work space, there are certain items that are almost a necessity.  Obviously a desk will be the number one piece for your office.  Choose something that is functional.  If you are working with a smaller space, you don't need a large desk, just something big enough to put your computer and some extra storage and writing space.  Next choose a chair that goes with your vision and that you know you can sit in for hours at a time.  Add a desk lamp for those late night work sessions.  I would also suggest a rug to pull the area together and define the space.  I like to have simple furniture and play up the space with a brightly-patterned rug.  Lastly, add some character to your space with some decor like an Aztec pillow and motivational art. 


22 October 2015

My Fall Decor



Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, cozy sweaters, ankle boots, falling leaves... I could go on and on about all the great things about fall.  If you live up North, you know that fall is by far the best time of year.  The temperature is just cool enough for layering  and boots, but you aren't buried in puffy jackets and knit scarves just yet.

One of my favorite things about fall is the fall decor and the beautiful rich colors that accompany it.  I love mixing browns and shades of ivory with pops of bright yellow and orange.  Since I had so much fun decorating this year, I thought I would share how I decorated my home this fall.  Hope you all had just as much fun as I did decorating!



Above are some of my homemade touches.  I love creating my own wreaths.  It allows me to have the freedom and creativity to make exactly what I want while also showing it off to everyone that walks by!

I also love tiny white punkins.  I stuck them all over my house this year and decorated some with gold accents to add some extra glam.





 Lastly, I thought I would share how we decorated our patio.  We have a tiny outdoors space, but hey, it's better than nothing!  I love mixing fairytale pumpkins with guards and mums.  Adding Indian corn and haystacks give an added autumn touch!

Succulents can be a wonderful fall plant.  I picked a few and added them to a carved out white pumpkin.  I was really happy with the way this centerpiece turned out!

What are some of your fall decor tips?  I would love to learn new ideas for making the home super cozy this fall!

XOXO
Natalie

14 September 2015

Essentials for a Cozy Fall

Fall is in the air!  The temperature is quickly dropping, which means it's time for cable-knit sweaters, cozy date nights on the couch, and pumpkin spice lattes.  Forget all the fitted, summer clothing, and bring on comfort and cozy-ness.  

This weekend was the first weekend of the year that the fall chill could really be felt.  Coinsidently, it was the first offical week of football season.  Does Mother Nature have perfect timing or what? 

So long are the dog days of summer, but rather the crisp nights of autumn.  With fall right on our heels, I thought I would put together a list of the essentials needed to make this fall the most comfortable and cozy fall ever!


Cozy Slippers - Ugg Australia // Perfect Sweater - SheInside // Cashmere Throw - Parachute // Fireside - scented candle - Parachute // Coffee mug - Starbucks // Cable-knit leggings - Bed Bath & Beyond


01 July 2015

Summer Essentials

Summer is all about less is more!  No need to pack on layers and accessorize with chunky jewelry. The days are long and hot, so it's all about trying to stay cool and comfortable.  Summertime definitely means less makeup, less clothes and less worry.  I love just throwing on a touch of brozer and maxi dress for those warm summer nights.  It feels like summer took forever to get here, but I am so ready to embrace the long days.

1. Of course everyone needs a great pair of sunnies.  As if Ray-ban wasn't cool enough, they really have become super chic this season with their stylish "Clubmaster" line.  I love this pair from Nordstrom.com.

2. If you haven't checkout out Love Shack Fancy yet, you have to!  They have THE best summer maxis that are perfect for taking beachy days to nights.  You will live in their Signature Love dress all summer long.

3.  Another summer must-have is the perfect bronzer.  I love Bare Minerals Warmth all-over face color.  It gives you that natural summer glow, plus it has an SPF built in!

4. Every summer goddess needs a floppy hat.  Francesca's has a great selection.  I got their Bonaire Floppy Hat a couple months ago and it follows me to the beach every single time!

5. I have fallen in love with Triangl's colorblock swimsuits.  A great swimsuit is a for-sure summer staple.

6.  If I am not in a summer maxi, my weekends are spent in colorful, flowy cover-ups.  Love this one from H&M!

7.  Living in sandals all summer means investing in a good leather pair.  I love these Sikinos from Calypso St. Barth.

8. Countless trips to the beach need a fun beach bag to hold all your things.  Nordstrom always has a great selection!

09 June 2015

My summer to-do list



Well, well, well, it has been quite some time since my last post.  Work had really gotten the best of me the past couple months, but I think I am in a good spot to get back to normal life again and begin posting.  To welcome my self back to the blogging community, I decided to post my summer to-do list! 

Last year, I created a summer to-do list, but I have to admit, I did not get nearly as far on the list as I should have.  I think it's great to make lists because it keeps me accountable and reminds me of all the things I want to get done over the summer.  Sometimes summers can be filled with weddings, showers and engagement parties; basically summer has been all about celebrating others.  But what about celebrating yourself?  This list is really important to me because lately I feel like I have not been doing things for myself, but rather everyone else around me.  Don't get me wrong, I love all the weddings and parties that summer brings.  I love spending time with friends that I do not normally get to see very often, but sometimes it's nice to just do things for you.  And between all the things I have to do for others this summer, I also want to take this summer to do the things that I want to.

You may notice that this year's list has a lot of items that I also had last year.  But what is summer without a "sick" day to the beach and a few S'mores?



I think this is a very reasonable list to accomplish this summer.  Last year my list was a little too aggressive, but I know I need to take time to myself this summer.  I can't wait to get started.

27 April 2015

Spring Neon





Top - Express // Jeans - American Eagle // Wedges (old) - similar // Long necklace - Express // Layering Necklaces - Forever 21 // Gold Bracelet - BP via Nordstrom // Cuff - Baublebar (similar) // Nail Polish - Essie's Spin the Bottle

As some of my readers may know, one of my New Year's resolutions is to incorporate more color into my wardrobe.  I have a horrible habit of buying anything black or white (but mostly black).  Spring has really encouraged me to start branching out because of all the beautiful colors right now.  

I loved this top as soon as I saw it.  The neon color was bright, but so lovely at the same time.  Coral is such a great color for spring and I think it goes well with almost every skin tone.  Some other colors I am really loving this season are navy, hot pink and cobalt blue.  I think I have been doing a pretty decent job of shying away from black and purchasing more beautiful colors. The true test will be if I can keep it going throughout fall and winter. 



15 April 2015

How 2 Style: Boyfriend Jeans


I absolutely love boyfriend jeans!  They are definitely on my list of investment pieces.  Revolveclothing.com has such a great variety and definitely has some of the best options out there.  If you are look for the perfect pair of distressed boyfriend denim, Revolve is guaranteed to deliver to you the perfect pair.  I have also found some great pairs at places like Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle (channel your inner high-school self).

  I love that you can dress  boyfriend jeans up or dress them down to fit almost any occasion.  I also love the fact they are super comfortable and stylish.  I really hope that they never go out of style.


Probably the most common way I dress boyfriend jeans is by keeping it casual.  Slip on a pair of black loafers and style with a rock tee.  Perfect the look by add some gold jewelry and a fedora for the perfect go-to look!  I fringe bag is a must if you want to pull off the whole "rocker" look.

Even though boyfriend jeans tend to be more casual, you can dress them up.  I love adding feminine details like a lace top and blush handbag to give a softer look to an otherwise edgier jean.  Complete with pearls and strappy heals and you have the perfect date night look!


Probably my all-time favorite way to style boyfriend jeans is with a v-neck, heals and a blazer.  I love the care-free vibe this look gives off while looking well put-together.  Of course, you will need to pair with some dainty gold jewelry and brown leather satchel to get that "Jennifer Anistan", girl-next-door look.