From the Archives: DIY Retro Fan

Last summer we gave dusty Hawaiian Breeze (the fan formally know as...) a makeover. For a mere $6 this fan got the spray painting it needed to be an item I actually like having in my home. Don't get me wrong though, a dusty fan is still a saving grace on a sticky hot day--but how much more pleasant a retro looking fan is sitting on a shelf ;) You can visit this archived post HERE for the full run down on how to do-this-yourself just in time for hotter days.

Tiered Dresser

Along with building a planter box this weekend, I had plans to strip and paint Matt's dresser. A lack of energy and a chest cold kept me mostly lounging and reading, though...so the repaint did not happen. At least it gives me more time to decide on a paint color. What do you think--an oil based grey?

The dresser needs some major attention. Those scratches are an eye-sore and I am not a fan of the drawer pulls. I cannot wait to switch out the pulls with these handles I got on sale from Anthropologie nearly a year ago--about time, right?!

Bloom

Potted plants and gardens sprouting up around the city, in between snowfalls, are a constant reminder to bloom where I am planted. The weekend is going to be sunny and bright, and hopefully we have seen the last of snow! I have a few gardening projects I want to tackle, along with repurposing the two tiered dresser we got at Goodwill last year--its time to get started on a long list of projects that have been building up all winter. In the spirit of planting and blooming, here are a few favorites in the soil and petal department:

Terrarium Tutorial for your cacti and succulent endevours.

Darling Magazine's on how to make a Spring bouquet.

Loving this turning triangles terrarium and this house terrarium at Urban Outfitters.

A springtime (photographic) tutorial: Floral Collage

Pretty lace flower pots .

Really wanting to make a version of these geometric concrete planters on lgn.

And these May baskets (darling, right?) on Going Home to Roost.

image made by be

Campers, Trailers, Caravans

When I was looking at the LONNY site the other day, there were some beautiful photographs of the  interior spaces of airstream trailers that started taking me down the path of camping nostalgia.

Beachy Locks

In my attempt to have healthier hair, I am shampooing and blowdrying less, air drying and allowing my natural wave to set in more. Now, my wave is very uneven and not in the least bit curly all on its own (a very lazy wave, as seen here)--but with the beachy sprays that they make these days, a bit of tousling and scrunching, I can get a pretty good wave on. When looking for the products suggested by Natalie (this girl knows how to pull off beachy) I stumbled upon Got2b beach trippin'--I love it!  I thought you might like it too, so here is how I make my lazy waves a little more beachy and  bouncy.

One Year.

A year ago today, we were living in Burbank, California with the future ahead unknown and wide open. Soon we would be leaving towards the Rockies to deepen our roots in a new place we would call home. A year ago today, the first post to ever grace this little blog was written and published. Here are a few words of that very first post, "A blog for the reader who wants to feel lovely. Revisit soon for new posts on topics such as classic beauty, home design, artsy hobbies, riding bikes, picking daisies, simple cooking, thoughts on faith, music, fashion and accessorizing, and other tidbits related to the endless adventures being a girl."

It is amazing to see how God works. How He plants a seed in your heart and sees it to fruition. PPP has been a catalyst for my self discovery, a stepping block to my passion for writing, and an outlet for my love with design and aesthetic. Its growth reflects mine, in a sense. And I just love that. As far as writing on the endless adventures of being a girl, and for the reader who wants to feel lovely, I have been blessed to be a contributor for Darling Magazine. The opportunity to write alongside other women who live out true beauty--I couldn't have asked for anything more fulfilling. Who would have thought that when I wrote the very first post a year ago, that today I'd be sitting here today seeing that seed planted actualized in my life. And still ever blooming, with still so much growth ahead, how so excited I get thinking about that.

Anyways, happy birthday pearls poppies pinkies up--and so much love and thankfulness for the friends & readers of this little blog from the very beginning!

Burnt Mustard Ikea Pillows

I made a quick trip to Ikea yesterday to pick up a curtain rod. But you know I'd be kidding myself if I honestly went to Ikea thinking I'd leave with just one item. I could not pass up these $7 pillow covers. I have been wanting to change out the pillow in the front room, now that the couch is more of a focal point in the space and right front and center with our black and white curtains. After my last linen choices at Ikea being mostly floral and feminine in style for our second bedroom, I wanted a pillow that was a bit more masculine.

Small Closet Triumph

After leaving our 1930's town home in Burbank (which had the smallest closets ever) I thought I'd be moving on from teeny tiny storage space. I clearly thought wrong. And I should probably just get that out of my head, because we tend to like older homes. And older homes mean small closets. 

Short Stories & Children's Lit.

Children's stories capture the heart and desires of the most pure. While reading and writing today, I came across the words from a short story called "Awake" by Florence Bass. It is part of a collection called Nature Stories for Young Readers. I love one part so much I have to share. As simple as it is, my sentiments are the same as those of the South Wind. I want what he wants. 

The gentle South Wind has come again. He says : "Go back, cold North Wind, to your home. You have played your rough pranks long enough. You have had your time playing with the ice and snow. The Spring Sun and April Rain and I must have our time now. All the little people in the big brown house have been asleep all winter. We mean to call them up. The Sun makes the big room warm. The Rain taps gently on their doors. I call softly: 'Wake up, little people; your long winter sleep is over. Come, little ants, you may begin your work now. Wake up, Mr. Frog, and creep out of your mud house. Come, little bees; the flowers are getting your breakfast ready. They will soon be calling you to come and help them at seed-making. Come, butterflies and moths; creep out of your cradles on the tree-tops and in the ground. Make the country more beautiful, you flying flowers.' "

In my quest to read more (more on that here), I have decided to revisit a few of the most cherished stories from my childhood. Although this short story was new to me today, it instilled a sense of imagination and purity that, sometimes, you can only find in literature for young readers. A few on my list are A Wrinkle in Time, The Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, Little Women and James and the Giant Peach. What are your most loved children's stories?

Amanda's Favorite Cheeseball

Over the past few years, when I've helped my mom prep for a get together, I've been put in charge of making the cheese ball. What gathering is complete without one, right? I thought you might enjoy this recipe for your spring hostessing. It has been a staple party favorite in my family for years and years, and is the easiest thing to make. Its amazing to watch how everyone gathers around the simplest of foods, this cheese ball has serious mouth watering capabilities and draws people back for more and more and more. My friend Amanda has been nudging me for awhile to get this recipe to her--here it is! (Disclaimer: you may want to eat the entire ball...)

photo via tasty blog

Ingredients

2 large packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 package "Ranch Style" dressing mix (pt. size)

1 teaspoon chives

1 teaspoon garlic powder

chopped nuts

Combine cream cheese, dressing mix, chives, and garlic powder. Roll into a ball with your hands and then roll in chopped nuts. Chill.

Bargain Hunting Round Up // Bringing the Outdoors In

I am just aching to build a planter box, dig in dirt, and add flowers to our front porch. But snow keeps falling, and patiently I wait. You should see my kitchen windowsill--completely packed with my little potted flowers taking refuge from the cold yet still absorbing as much sun as possible despite the blizzard conditions! At least there are creative ways to bring the cheery warm days of outdoors in, with terrariums, floral prints, and spring colors (like in today's round up!)  Below you can find a new round up of my new favorite finds from around the interwebs.  All of these finds are mark downs and affordable for the designer on a budget. You can catch up on more favorites from my browsing HERE. (Also, notice that lamp shade? The same print as my living room curtains!)

1// Chalkboard spice jar.

2// UO glass house terrarium (marked down from $49 to $19.99!)

3// Threshold flocked lamp light shade.

4// Honeycomb ceramic lamp.

5// Brass animals from Target (who, by the way, is winning in the decorating department as of late)

6// Coqo floral rug.

7// Anthropologie's ceramic plant markers.

8// Threshold butterfly shadow box.

Little Glimpse

Sometimes, photos speak louder than words. I've gathered a handful of photographs from the past week that speak something different than I could write. Sometimes, it feels better to just sit and look, words a few. To me, these glimpses into our little life this past week feel effervescent and cheery.

Stronger than.

Praying for healing, recovery, and strength for those in Boston. Believing that love and unarmed truth have the final say.

Two Thrifted Looks

I strike gold, adding up to an average $5, each time I stop in at the Goodwill down the street. Does anyone know it exists? Because I seem to be finding the best clothing items for my pennies--and this is always on a whim. I hardly ever drive there with fashion as a mission. Usually furniture and revamps are my focus. Lately, no such luck. But clothes, tons of luck. So I find myself casually looking through the racks when furniture is a miss. My latest finds, a down puffer vest, a boat neck striped tee, and a brown midi skirt (a velvet / cord hybrid fabric that makes it feel vintage). I love that you can find clothes from a different era, or items that can complete a modern look--thrift stores are the one retail store that can always meet the ever evolving you ( and for that, they are forever my favorite).

Leaping from pond to sea

What is it about change? What is it that excites us to the core yet makes us anxious and wanting to burry our entire being under our covers--both literally and metaphorically (oh wait, is that just me?) Change and risk never come to easy, but isn't it so true -- we cannot be afraid of change, because holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.

Truth echoes, friends. Lately, I am consistently finding myself confronted with a need for change. A pulling on my heart strings. Do you feel that too? Are you listening, taking a leap out of your pond, or are you holding onto something that may be keeping you back from something better?

Since December I've felt this pulling. This constant knocking. On my heart, my mind, my creative self as a whole. I am excited to say that I have chosen to listen. I am leaping out into a new sea or ocean that I don't know about yet. At the end of this week I will be moving to part-time from my full-time job. Part-time so that I can venture into design, writing, and exploring what is innately me. 

If you have been reading along here at ppp for awhile (which, by the way, ppp is almost one year old!), you know that I am a Creative at heart. I tend to thrive most, and am happiest, when I can use my hands to make and write. Going part-time is a risk. Finacially, in a discipline sense, and it is completely outside of my comfort--my pond. But I have to know, what is that something better that is out there just waiting for me to find it?

photo & graphics by me.

Earth's Laughter

The Earth laughs in flowers
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

This weekend we plan to spend quality time with our cousins and also a good portion of the weekend hunkering down at my new favorite writing spot, The Bicycle Cafe over in Uptown. They are predicting snow again for us here in Denver (ugghhhh) But my thoughts are trying to stay put on warmth, fresh cut flowers, and iced coffee. Here's hoping your weekend is full of the beginnings of spring and lots of Earth's giggles (which may be the tiniest of blooms, according to Mr. Emerson). 

photo via: oncewed

On books and taking time.

To be a better writer, thinker, and leader, reading is simply essential. A goal of mine is to read all of the books that sit on my bookshelf that have either been half read or untouched since the day they arrived in my home, by next year. And yes, if I am completely honest, there are a lot that stack up in this category. This goal has come and gone and come back again, but this time I am taking it seriously.  Life in the past has seemed to steal away moments where I could curl up with a good book. Lack of discipline and complacency have been the culprit more often than not. How am I not going to let this happen anymore?-- always have a book with me. There are so many little moments throughout the day where I could sit and read while waiting for whatever it is I'm waiting for. Reading turns on my creative gears and brings out the best person in me. Just like water and exercise, reading is a key ingredient to life. Is it funny that I get excited about setting aside a full hour to just read tomorrow morning? What are your thoughts on books and taking time to be still and just read?

Black and White Curtains

Since we have moved furniture around a bit in the living room, I am noticing the patterned curtains that are over our front window A TON more than I used to. Now with the couch in front of and framed by the curtains, they are a new focal point.

Bargain Hunting Round Up (premier!)

Snowflake flurries have kept me inside today. In lieu of the storm, I've been doing a bit of sale spotting on the interwebs. Below you can find a round up of a few favorites of mine from my go to design stores. All of these finds are mark downs and affordable for the designer on a budget and (which, who is not on a budget these days?! Budgeting means more pennies saved and more travel funds available...). 

1//  West Elm's Perpetual Fox Calendar

2//  World Market Nico Arch Mirror

3//  Anthropologie Foil Dot Napkin Set

4//  Kelly Green Half Dozen Egg Crate

5//  Natural Histories: Extraordinary Rare Book Selections 

from the American Museum of Natural History Library

6//  Formosa Chartreuse Tray Table by CB2

7//  West Elm Silk Pillow Cover 

(I fell in love with the apricot tones HERE on little green notebook)

8//  Alyson Fox Stencil Wool Rug 

I am noticing a trend of gold, chartreuse, and green. It must be spring time! That Natural Histories Book looks amazing by the way. The illustrations would make beautiful framed prints. Not to mention the coffee table interest factor if this book ended up in your home. What a neat piece! 

Peruvian Textiles

One thing I will always regret: passing up the opportunity to buy a large textile on our travels to Peru this past winter. My suitcase space was limited, as it always is at the end of travels-- and although I did bring home a scarf made from hand dyed alpaca wool and two very unique textile headwraps, a little piece of my heart sighs every time I see Peruvian textiles in home design. Yes, *sigh*. How I would have loved to bring a patterned rug, throw, or even a piece large enough for a wall hanging back home with me. C'este la vie! I suppose a trip back to Machu Pichu will have to happen again. The artisan markets were heaven by the way. I could spend a whole months worth of a trip purely hiking Inca ruins and digging through textiles (you can read more about that trip at Darling Magazine online- HERE).

Rust-Oleum & Our Vintage Wire Chairs

About an hour after I posted about the wire chairs I found on Craigslist, that were only 7 miles from my house, I decided to call the guy and inquire about them. Story is, he got these chairs from a train engineer who found them on the side of the tracks back in the 70's. They are straight out of the 1950s, and painted a retro pink and black (reminding me very much of a poodle skirt). He's had them in his house for years, and now his wife gave the chairs the boot. Lucky me!

Although out of my price range at first glance, two of my friends continued to send me links to chairs, just like the ones I posted, that were $150-$400 PER CHAIR. Like, really? That much for a chair? Wire on chairs on Etsy are pretty ridiculous also. So, with all that in mind, I got in my car and drove to north west Denver to a little antique shop where I had to see the chairs for myself. Although $349 seemed to pricey at first, I figured maybe I could bargain him down a bit. And BAM, I did! The chairs even have their original hardware. I absolutely love love love them! And I think if ever we got tired of them as kitchen table chairs, they will make an absolute wonderful patio addition (i.e., that reclaimed wooden table with these beauties. Why, yes.)

Wire Chairs

Everything about this table setting pulls me in. The reclaimed wood. The crisp white rectangle dinnerware. The subtle green succulents. But most of all, the wire chairs. When we went on a walk last weekend, I could not help but swoon over a backyard we passed by. Among the spring blooms, wire chairs and a vintage patio set brought a sense of invitation and vintage nostalgia to the yard. Although I do not have a yard of my own, I think a set would gladly be welcomed at a dining room table. I have been checking in with my pal Craiglist to see if any wire chairs pop up. Don't you just love the juxtaposition of a wire chair with soft pillows and a throw in a bedroom space even!? Last night, I discovered these on the interwebs, just a few miles away from my house and ready for purchase...

Thoughts for Thursday

Yes, let's.

8 Looks from spring weekending

I love clothes. Maybe too much. And now that the winter layers are coming off (yay, spring!) I have a new found liking for my wardrobe again. I've never meant for this blog to be fashion focused, but I do mean to share little bits of lovely here and there--and that includes fashion in my book. And truly, I think the way I dress somewhat parallels my taste for home design and other of life's aesthetics. Its all relative. I thought it might be fun to post a few of the outfits I've worn (and remembered to snap a photo of) ever now and again. These looks are a from the beginning of spring with some April showers. What have been your go to looks for spring weekending? 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

When embarking upon any coastal travels south of the border, visions of warm sand, sun-kissed skin, and melodies of dancing waves linger as swimsuits are packed and sunscreen applied. It is said,“The cure for anything is saltwater—sweat, tears, or the sea” -Isak Dinesen. Perhaps that is why Playa del Carmen offers a sense of restoration for its travelers. With sea bound exploration, Playa’s Caribbean ocean provides solace, reflection, and a place for discovery...continue reading.

Just what is it about the sand and the sea that soothes the soul just so? One of my all time favorite Mexico destinations has the best combination of coastal leisure and adventure. You can read my latest travel article over at Darling Magazine Online for a bit of a glimpse into this lovely fishing town. It is actually where Matt and I honeymooned!