New Job!

This week has been a busy and exciting one. I was offered a job as a Sales Consultant for a local apartment complex. I start next week! 

I am definitely sad to be leaving the design world but am excited about the opportunities and experiences to come. Design will always be my passion, and I will continue to share my projects and inspirations with anyone who will listen!

Getting Organized

Recently I picked up these two white ceramic dishes to organize my most frequently worn jewelry. I'm trying to bring a more feminine and organized feel to my bedroom. Small details like these are a great way to do this.

The leaf shaped piece was only $1.00 at Home Goods and the small sauce bowl was $2.00 at Target. 

What are some of your organizing tricks?

The Modern Moving Sale

It's becoming a trend among my friends to have 'moving sales' within their apartments. It's a great way to socialize with friends while purging and making a little extra cash at the same time. Try a Happy Hour approach by inviting friends and coworkers over after work. Having wine and cheese and a little music won't hurt either! Make sure you label what you are willing to part with and start selling.

This weekend I picked up a few things from my friend who is moving to NYC next month and is doing some major downsizing. I managed to get gardening gloves, a large soup pot, a camping lantern and this beautiful fern all for $20! 

Here's the fern I purchased -- Of course I'm going to miss her tons, but a little part of her will live on here in Cincy!

Hamper turned Side Table

Here's a cheap alternative to purchasing a new side table. This is actually a clothes hamper that I had picked up at TJ Maxx for around $20. I took the measurements to a local glass repair shop and had them cut a tempered piece to fit the top. I'd prefer the $119 table from Crate&Barrel, but this a nice substitution for only $30!

Desk Project

So my desk is almost complete! It only took a few hours to sand and paint, but the rain has been delaying me. 

One of the legs was pretty badly damaged. To fix it, I filled it with wood filler and had to saw about an inch off the other three legs to level the desk. I'm still in need of a knob for the drawer, but I found one I really like at Anthropologie.com for $8.00. 

Here's the break down --

Desk: Free

Wood filler: $2.49 at local hardware store

Paint: $8.49 (Lowe's Olympic - Plantation Moss)

Hardware: $8.00 at Anthropologie

Total project cost: $ 18.98 

Lettuce Sprouts!

Look what sprouted up! A variety of lettuce I planted a few weeks ago. Each spring I plant tomatoes, cilantro, and basil, but this is my first time ever growing lettuce. Hopefully I'll be making fresh lettuce wraps in a month or so! 

Bathroom Redo

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my apartment. But take a look at my current bathroom situation - it could use some major updating.  I've always wanted to completely gut a room down to the studs, though I don't think my landlord would appreciate this!

Because I can't rip that hideous maroon and gold tile out, I've pulled together a 'dream bathroom' material board. Maybe not quite as budget conscience, but hey, a girl can dream!

What I'm Craving

This beauty is way out of my price range, but I have had my eye on a tripod floor lamp for a few years now.  

Here's a more affordable option from CB2. Still a splurge at $199.00, I might have to save up!

Upcoming Project

Another found object. 

This desk has seen better days. My next project will be to sand and paint...Check back soon for progress!

DIY Tree Stump Table

I am in love with my most recently completed project -- a tree stump side table. I got the inspiration from ceramic garden stools but I just couldn't bring myself to pay $50 for one.

Using a chisel and a hammer, I removed the first layer of bark. This was very time consuming but I wanted the rustic warn look. I then used the Black & Decker Mouse Sander (120 grit paper) to sand the entire piece. For a more modern look, I chose a high gloss white enamel paint that I found at Walmart. 

The only downside of this project is the weight - the stump weighs 80 lbs! Here's the final product:

Log - free, thanks to a neighborhood tree

Chisel - $7.99 at Walmart

Sander - already owned ($49.99 investment)

1 quart of enamel - $8.00 

Total project cost: $15.99

Introduction

As an Interior Designer, I am constantly getting inspiration from the latest design magazine or blog. I've been in my current apartment just over a year now and things are finally coming together. Most of my furniture pieces have been passed down, bought at thrift stores, or bargained at a local home store. I hope to use this blog as a way to chronicle my designs, inspirations, and ongoing DIY projects.

For now, here's a few shots taken in my apartment.