Total Bliss: Your Style Beckons

I'm going to tell you all a secret.

I'm lazy.

::gasp::

But I love pretty things. So what's a girl to do? Pretty + No Work = Quite a Dilemma.

Enter Beatriz Ball.

It's silver. But it never needs to be polished.

Yeah. You read that correctly. Never. Ever.

Did I mention that you can bake in it? And put it in the refrigerator? Because you can.

It's handmade and it's at Total Bliss. Perfect for a lazy girl like me :)

- Kate

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Current Obsessions,

Featured

Monday

08Mar2010

Paint Hoarding

Monday, March 8, 2010 at 06:00PM |

Hi, my name is Kate and I hoard paint.

Hi, Kate.

If you're like me, then you do it too. Do you have one of these areas in your home/garage/store?

Yeah. I do too. It's difficult to find that perfect shade of paint. And even more difficult to estimate how much the project will necessitate. And it's nice to have a little left over (not that I ever smudge walls - or worse, cause that unsightly divot when I move furniture around and smack into the wall.) But space is precious in my house. So I say, "Let's stand up and reclaim our paint closets/shelves/etc! Are you with me?!?!"

Ok. That may have been a bit dramatic. But you get the idea.

Brooklyn Limestone posted this great project. Yes, it may be time consuming but it's worth it. Pros: A) Going through "the stash" helps decide what needs to be kept and what can be discarded.* B) Taking the time to touch up all of those smudges and dings around the house. C) Reclaiming that "lost" area of your home. Now the paint cans are smaller (and therefore take up less room) and pretty enough to be kept in plain sight. Double Bonus: Now you have more room to store all those other craft supplies (You know - the ones you're too embarrassed to show your significant other/roommate.)

*If you decide to purge that paint, please do it responsibly. Here are some tips.

- Kate

paint storage - Here

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Creativity,

DIY

Sunday

07Mar2010

Ode to the Needlepoint Sampler

Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 10:55PM |

Technically National Embroidery Month ended last week but my itch to stitch still rages.

I know; I know. I'm 22 years old. I recently graduated college. And what do I want? Cross stitch. In my defense it's in my blood. My grandmother won awards for her beautiful embroidery work. She did countless pieces, all of which are treasured possessions. But the stuff I'm after is a tad bit different.

Now don't get me wrong - I love a good sampler. I'm serious; no sarcasm intended. Nevertheless I continue to see these fun (almost mischievously so) needlecraft pieces. I love how they flirt with such a traditional concept.

1. Fawn and Flower Wall Wear - neawear 2. Chair Silhouette Applique - crazybutcute 3. Tree Stump - miniaturerhino 4. Jellyfish Brooch - HareandDrum

And my favorite...

Sorry guys. This one's not even for sale. LaGidgette

- Kate

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Thursday

04Mar2010

Update!

Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 12:09PM |

See. Total Bliss isn't crazy. The burlap look is cool.

- Kate

BR Vintage Logo Tote - Here

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Inspiration

Thursday

04Mar2010

Inspiration Boards

Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 10:22AM |

Thinking of redecorating a room? Wanting to change out that painting for a mirror? Just not feeling those throw pillows anymore?

Most everyone has these thoughts. We want a change but then we get to a store and are overwhelmed. We like everything and suddenly our plan is out the window.

May I make a suggestion?

Make an inspiration board! It sounds much more intimidating than it is, trust me. An inspiration board is a collection of magazine clippings/fabric samples/paint chips/ANYTHING that inspires you. It's called a board because some people attach them to cork boards. That's not a requirement though. My favorites are taped to the back of my bedroom door. I've seen some glued into legal file folders. That part is up to you.

So how do you make one? It's easy. When searching online, through magazines, and photographs, save things that inspire you. Doesn't go with anything you currently have? Don't like the colors of the sofa but love the lines? Save it! It doesn't matter. It inspires you.

Now, next time you're ready to make a change (small or big) to your home, reference these items. Do you notice any trends? Lots ocean views? Maybe you should try some relaxing blues paired with crisp, clear glassware. Lots of natural light, fresh flowers, and layers of soft linen? Perhaps you like the classic look of country cottages. Whatever the style, you'll be at ease because you have examples to (1) look back on and, (2) show others - like designers and store employees.

- Kate

Board 1 - Here

Board 2 - Here

Board 3 - Here

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