loving my valentine vignette

Although I miss the some of the sweet Valentine traditions with little ones, I wasn't ever

 fond of cute cupids and construction paper heart decor. This year simple pink flowers I

 picked up at the grocery store, a couple of pink books, and my newly thrifted foo dog

 for a little unexpected edge are making me happy!

 I've rounded up a few other pretty looks for you, it's a great excuse to pick up

some fresh flowers!   

Add a few of your favorite flowers to an interesting vessel and you're set,

no cupids necessary.  

 Schuyler Samperton

Stephanie Sterjovski

 karearosenlund.com

highstreetmarket.com

 

Stephanie Sterjovski

madinpersbo.blogspot.com

Btw, are you a foo dog fan?   

Craigslist Tips!

I'm thrilled to be over at Sarah M. Dorsey Designs today sharing a Craigslist

 tip and my favorite CL purchase, neither of which I've ever shared before!   

Sarah is a skilled Craigslist and thrifting guru, she's invited some fellow

 Craigslist addicted bloggers over to dish on their tips.    

Here are a few of her amazing finds and makeovers ~ if you're not familiar

she's a DIY rockstar, too!  

Poppy Red Campaign Desk

Office Credenza to Custom Credenza with Overlays

Painting Laminate & Adding Crown Molding to Table Base 

Mid Century Modern Table & Chairs 

You can find all the tips at Sarah M. Dorsey Designs here, 

it's sure to be a great collection, so don't waste a minute, pop over and start

putting them to use. Good luck and let me know what you score! 

    

best of the nest link party - december/january

Welcome to the first BOTN of 2015! I hope you're invigorated and ready to start the

year off with some new projects - I can't wait to see what you've been up to!

I'm happy to share that we're starting the new year with a fun surprise ~ each month

 we'll be featuring a favorite blogger as a guest host!  

Our first Guest of the Nest,  Becky @ This is Happiness,

 if you're not familiar Becky is the sweetest mom of two young children, her design and

 photography skills are top notch and always keep me coming back for more. Check out

her awesome magazine features (yes, plural) here ~ Yay, Becky!! 

I know you'll love her too!  

I love her tradition of Sunday dinner in the dining room to counteract the

  busyness of weekday dinners with her kiddo's schedules. She shares awesome

ideas that are special but simple enough to make it doable and fun for everyone.   

Becky @ This is Happiness 

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin‘ | Twitter 

I finally revealed a secret I've been keeping for over a year...a dream come true,

 our exterior, yard and deck are featured in this month's BH & G Refresh Magazine.  

 Pam @ Simple Details

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter

Lisa shared her family room update and beautiful new sectional, rug and curtains that

 are key pieces in her quest for a neutral background so she can hoard pillows, and

 change everything up on a whim!  

 Lisa @ Shine your Light

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter

While reorganizing her kitchen Kris created a charming coffee station on this narrow counter.
I'd happily get up early to make everyone coffee in this pretty and organized space!
 

  Kris @ Driven by Décor

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter | Google+

Jennifer upped the glam factor in her kitchen with a gorgeous makeover
including new hardware, lighting, and freshly painted cabinets - a must see! 

 Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

Blog | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin' | Twitter

 Now it's your turn:

Bring your Best of December or January

Anyone can enter - not just bloggers!

Enter through Instagram by using hashtag #bestofthenestparty and tagging at least one of your hosts.

Only ONE link per person to show your best work from December 2014 or January 2015
Additional links will be deleted.
If you're linking up with a blog, link back with a text link or grab the party button.

We'd love you stop back next Friday
 when Becky, Lisa, Kris, Jennifer and I will feature our favorite links.

Kate Spade Knock Off Salt & Pepper Shakers

You may have seen my Kate Spade Salt & Pepper Shakers I keep on the tray in my

 kitchen ~ the fun black, white and gold set. I always get asked where they're from, 

 they were a gift from a friend and I love them! (Btw, I shared her fabulous home here)

You can find them at Kate Spade here.

Fairmount Park Dot/Stripe Salt & Pepper Set

 $30.00

~ OR ~

you could DIY yourself a set using paint and white shakers from Target! 

Original Kate Spade Fairmount Salt & Pepper Shakers 

Target 

Threshold Porcelain Salt and Pepper Shakers - White - $4.99

SUPPLIES:

Rubbing Alcohol

Martha Stewart Liquid Gilding - Gold

Martha Stewart Multi Surface Craft Paint - Beetle Black High Gloss 

Small Brush, Round Foam Pouncer 

STEP 1: 

Tape off your stripes.

I cut my tape at 3/4" width using the edge of a cutting mat as a guide and ran my xacto

 knife along the edge for a clean line.

This shaker tapers at the top, so you'll have to work with the tape a bit where there is a

 slight gap - I just used my nail to firmly press the tape against the glass to secure well. 

STEP 2:

Paint the stripes.

I took the plug out of the bottom and put my finger in there to hold the shaker

while painting stripes.

Using a small brush (about 1/2" - 3/4" wide bristles) apply the Liquid Gilding on the glass,

 after dipping your brush in the gilding wipe the excess on the edge of the jar.

 Do your best to apply one coat and don't go over what you've already painted.  

If I were a good blogger I'd have a picture of this for you!

 Sorry, it went so quickly I completely spaced the photo! 

STEP 3:

Paint the dots.

Wipe the shaker with rubbing alcohol per instructions on Multi Surface Paint. 

Put a small amount of paint in a container to dip your pouncer into, remove any

excess paint on a paper towel, press the foam pouncer completely against the glass to

deposit the paint. 

A couple things:

The Multi Surface Paint is dishwasher safe after curing for 21 days.

You could use gold spray paint, I chose liquid gilding because I like the sheen,

and already had it. A little goes a long way and I've used it for a ton of projects. 

You can't beat the originals,

 but if you're looking for a budget friendly version this is a simple alternative

to get the look! 

another craigslist bamboo table

I was beginning to wonder what was going on with our awesome Craigslist,

a slew of big armwahs (aka armoires) and over sized reclining sectionals popped

 up every time I checked in. 

Persistence finally paid off last week when I scored another table with a bamboo base!

 And, if that wasn't enough to make up for the lull, the sweet seller threw in another

 fabulous table because she was moving and wanted it gone!

Yes, I snagged a table with a similar style a few months ago and didn't need this at all,
what can I say, it was a steal at $50 and I caved! 

I love the collected look of a traditional piece paired with my more modern sofa, and the

 curved top against the straight lines. It's a large side table size (30" diameter) vs a lower

 coffee table, but I'm all over it unexpectedly pulled up to the front of the sofa. 

This solid wood Thomasville table is in great condition, except for few scratches you

can see on the base that will be an easy fix. Big and functional with a shelf inside,

 and that burl like finish...love! I think I've even got a spot for it. 

And, free :)

Have you scored anything you couldn't pass up lately? :)