the home stretch

This week’s the home stretch will be a little different than previous ones. When I thought of the “the home stretch” as a weekly feature I wanted it to focus on my interest in home décor and be a final post to send you off on your weekend. I didn’t really think I would ever refer to something in my life as the home stretch, but today I find myself there. I am on the verge of new and exciting happenings and they begin in just two weeks as I leave my job behind to start my own venture. The next couple weeks and maybe months will really stretch me as an individual and I am nervous and excited about it. I know I usually don’t spill too much of my personal life on here, but I wanted to let the few readers that I have know what is going on and to forgive me if posting isn’t as regular as usual. So, here we go on the home stretch to ending one chapter in my life and beginning a new one.

-M

photos via pinterest and weheartit

the home stretch

Although I don’t have any use for these, I am loving these coasters from Calypso. They are completely on trend and are so beautiful. Coasters are a really funny thing, some can be quite tacky, but I don’t think these would ever go out of style.

-M

the home stretch

I love a good piece of costume jewelry and over the years I have amassed quite a collection. Above are some ways I store and display my sparkle. The top photo is a dessert stand which I rarely use for it’s actual purpose. The middle and lower right are bowls. One from my mom and one from my thoughtful brother. The top right is a tray and the bottom left is a small dish. I have all my necklaces on display too, but I’ll save that for another day! How do you display all your jewelry? I would love to know!

-M

the home stretch

Most everyone knows how popular the chevron has been the past couple years. It was extremely difficult to find affordable chevron pieces for a while, but now you can find them everywhere! Take this lamp shade for example - it’s only $19.99 at Target. Target is also carrying some other chevron pieces and tons of other retailers are selling chevron too! Here are a few of my favorite pieces from around the web.

bath accessories
bedding
pillows
rugs 

-M

the home stretch

Anyone that knows me knows I love a good room makeover so when my mom suggested we gift one to my sister for Christmas I immediately hopped on board. L and her hubby (and 3 kiddos) have lived in their home for 6 years now. It’s a great house, brand new when they bought it, and perfect for their family. They painted all the rooms the year they moved in and have since questioned some of the color choices. The master bedroom is yellow and I think both L and the hubs are over it. We plan on painting the walls, updating the bedding (which is sadly not available anymore), adding window treatments, throw pillows, art and photos, and maybe an additional piece of furniture. So excited for this project to get underway! I’ll keep you all posted.

-M

the home stretch

This may come as a surprise to some, but I really don’t like candles all that much. I don’t know what it is, but I remember getting them as gifts from friends in high school and it really confused me. I mean why would I want a candle? Am I really going to light it and be satisfied with its aroma? I think not. I guess I really am the odd one here. I hear most people love candles and light them just for the heck of it. Crazy, right? All this to say I love this candle! No, I do not own it, but it is perfect and it is gold! And it may have changed my view on candles forever. So, if you have a Crate and Barrel nearby treat yourself to one or three (things look better in odd numbers)!

-M

the home stretch

Last week I posted a little how-to on making pillows out of place mats. This week I wanted to show you what I did with matching table cloths. I think many of us underestimate the endless possibilities a table cloth provides. For instance, I used the matching table cloths as curtains! I had to add a piece of fabric on the the bottom to get the length I needed - which I still didn’t do right, bad measuring job. They look perfect in my room and frame my window so well. I also have one panel to cover up my closet - no closet doors for this gal. Table cloths are great because you can find them in on trend patterns without spending the on trend price. I have found at least 4 different table cloths at Target that I have used on various projects. The next time you are looking for a nice curtain or some fun pillows don’t pass up the place mats and table cloths!

-M

the home stretch

It’s amazing to me how expensive pillows can be, I mean, it’s just fabric stuffed with fiber fill! You may notice that the yellow pillows in the above image have an interesting shape to them. That is because I made them out of placemats from Target! I simply opened up one of the side seams, stuffed it full, and sewed it back up. They are a perfect complement to my colorful bedding. Wait until you see what I did with the matching tablecloth! What are some items you have repurposed? I would love to know!

-M

the home stretch

How cute is this rug? I pinned it a few months ago when I was brainstorming a nursery design and I fell in love. I want it so badly for my future child’s room that on Friday I searched for it on ebay, placed a bid, and won! Woo me! The retail price on it was $129 and I got it for under $40 including shipping! Just so we are clear I am not pregnant, nor plan on being pregnant any time soon. I just really like this rug and promise promise I will one day use it. Have any of you found great deals on ebay you want to share? Or do you have any tips you can give me on buying on ebay? 

-M