fun with labels and empty wine bottles...

...intrigued?

So I am sure you all know I am working on my closet... I needed some more organizational items for my accessories. I found this idea here... and then went one step further by making a little label to put over the original label... you know, for a little daily dose of "feel good."



Here are the labels I made... I worked these up on the computer and printed them on full sheet labels. Then cut them to size and slapped them on the 'ol bottle. SO easy! Right now I have rubber bands securing the label (just to be safe!) I'll post final pics soon!


If you can find a nifty use for these labels too - feel free to swipe them from me! If you do, leave me a comment and let me know what fun idea you came up with! They would also be fun for stickers or tags on packages - but knowing you internet people, you could find even better uses! Have fun...

Fashion Friday... Toy Watch!

I just CAN NOT believe that it is Friday again already! But you won't catch me complaining! Who doesn't love Friday?!?! In this installment of Fashion Friday (where every Friday I make an ensemble from one of the items I highlighted this week on the 'ol blog)... I chose to go with the Toy Watch. Which I have nothing but pure love for. Oh, and also the pair of $19.50 patent flats I got from Old Navy. Because if lovin' $19.50 patent flats from Old Navy is wrong... I don't want to be right! I got these little sweeties in the mail today and they are adorable! Cuter than in the pic even! Without further ado... Fashion Friday folks:


toy watch love. - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

Don't forget... if you are interested in joining Gilt - here is your personal invitation!

Hooked On... Mirrors!

I have been so inspired by mirrors as a design feature lately... not just an accessory - but actually integrated into the design of a room.

This mirrored wall in an office is to die for! Talk about opening the space up! I love how they put a "frame" around it that completely fit the scale of the room and the mirror. With the lights hanging low over the desk the mirror flawlessly falls into the backdrop of the room. Just gorgeous!

[photo: House Beautiful]

And this example of layered mirrors has an intriguing modern yet vintage feel to it. I love the contrast of the swirls and twirls of the top mirror over the utilitarian square mirror.

[photo: House Beautiful]

But in my opinion, the mirrored backsplash in the kitchen takes the cake. It opens up what can typically be a cluttered area of any kitchen (under the upper cabinets) and effortlessly adds light. Mirrored backsplashes would work in virtually any kitchen if you so desired and are particularly well suited for small kitchens or those that lack natural light.

And how gorgeous are those dark grey/slate cabinets! Yum!

I am brainstorming ideas on how to integrate mirrors into my own home in a more creative way... of course as those ideas come to fruition, you'll have a front seat!

For more Hooked On goodness... stop by Hooked on Houses!

did i mention i needed a dash of red?

Seriously, what would I do without you spectacular internet people?

I do believe I mentioned I needed a another splash of color. And thanks to Completely Coastal I have my inspiration!

thursdays are for rainbows...

Last week I had such a blast making a bright little rainbow on a cold, snowy day that I thought I would make it a weekly tradition. In the spirit of being frivolous and fun... here's a slew of flowers, arranged just to brighten your day. (of course I had to sneak one handbag in there!)


rainbows... by Jill GG


Want to play along? Create your own rainbow and then leave me a comment with the link!

i cheated... well, not really, maybe just a little.

So I am on this spending freeze which is both an exercise in contentment (one I need to practice repeatedly) and another in boosting the 'ole pocketbook after the spending frenzy that was Christmas.

But here lies a technicality... I got a gift card for GAP for Christmas that was just burning a hole in my pocket... so I picked up a couple of things. The good news is that the world is on sale right now! The bad news is that it felt like cheating. Not "spending" is also about not "acquiring" - not giving in to the thrill that comes with shopping bags and big boxes being delivered to our doors by UPS.

I'm only human I guess. In the spirit of "getting over it" - wanna see what I got!?!?


Women: Flutter-sleeve T - true black knit





Women: Pintucked top - menswear blue





Women: Button-back twill dress - plymouth rock





Women: Women's Faux-Patent Ballet Flats - Black




All of this for only $75 (well... $75 and 76 cents... which I threw in...). I know there are a lot of others in blog-land on a spending freeze too - how's it going?

a reminder...

"If one advances confidently in the direction of
his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he
has imagined, he will meet with a success
unexpected in common hours."
- H.D. Thoreau

a year a week and a day.

It's a blog-iversary!!! That's right... apparently I blew right by the exact date! But today is one year + one week + one day.

Here is my first post... a nice simple entrance, don't you think? And for the most part it still sums up my intentions here. To live a full life, to shop (oh, yes, to shop!), and to be the person of my dreams.

So thank you. Thank you for joining me everyday. Thank you for reading. Thank you for helping me be the person of my dreams.

toy watch @ gilt

I am a gigantic fan of Toy Watch... I am a gigantic fan of watches in general. Lately I am digging a bold overstated watch - think a petite woman's arm with a big strong masculine watch. I love the unexpectedness of it.

Gilt never disappoints on selections and value. Head on over to check out the Toy Watch selection TODAY!!! What a great Valentines gift for you or your loved one...

Shown: Unisex Black Dial, $138 (from $275)

i'll show you mine...

So last week (or the week before?) I was bragging on the new pillows I got and how I am just loving blue with red these days. Well I finally got a shot of them in their element... the sun was shining for a brief moment and I snapped a few pics. These pictures are also a lot better representation of the color in the room... that paint chip from the previous post really did it no justice.





After looking at the pictures (isn't it how a picture leaves more room for critique than the live living space?) I think I need to still add more red punches of color... the pillows seem to stand alone a bit. What do you think?

paint color for the closet...

Well, I checked out all the paint that we have "in stock" downstairs and really, none of them were suitable for the closet. They are all more "room" paints, rather than "closet" paints. If you know what I mean. Or maybe that only makes sense in my mind...

Miss Aimee had the awesome idea of painting it hot pink... which I do agree would be super fun. But I must be more wimpy than her! (by the way... she has a little closet upgrade in the works... maybe we can live vicariously through you, Miss Aimee????)

But I do like the idea of pink... so I headed over to House Beautiful's website because their magazines always have such great color articles. And what do you know, in seconds I had a handful of spectacular pinks to choose from! I found this soft fleshy pink that I just adore!!! It is Wheatberry from Benjamin Moore... I have a lot of brown, black and grey clothing and this pink just seems like it would make all of those colors pop against it. Now I will be watching the sales for Behr. (I know, weird, I like to get BM colors in Behr paint... it's just my thing).

So what is your thoughts? You like?

cheesy photo, but good content to follow...

I was recently reading the January 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens and ripped out a great article on organization. If I could access this article online for you, I would link it here. [Ahem, BHG people, I can't link the article.] Any how, it featured a home that almost sent me to tears of joy for the sheer beauty and organization combined. No plastic bins in sight here folks, just pure genius. The name of the article is "Practical Magic" and can be found on page 35 of the January 2009 issue. (It also had a great laundry area that I plan to use as inspiration as well)

One of the ideas was to hang hinged (the key is they have to have a hinge) shadow boxes in your closet and pin jewelry and accessories in to both highlight and store them. So any how, I can't for the life of me find decent links today. But I did find these to give you an idea of what I am thinking (via exposures online).

The good new is that I found them at Michael's craft store for $39.99 for the 12x20 size. The bad news is that Michael's doesn't feature them online (again, no luck with the links here). So if you can look past this cheesy example of how the shadow boxes could be used. And think of a more classy and updated look with delicate pearl push pins gently holding up my precious jewels (or cheap costume jewelry that gets me by) in my closet - well then, there you have it! I'm thinking right above my folded sweaters. Thoughts?

why I love Forever 21

... because seriously, where else can you get all of these trendy goodies that, let's face it, you may or may not want to wear next season!?

All of these items are $32.80 or under! What a steal!


why i love forever 21 by Jill GG

must read!

On a suggestion (more like how can you not read this book when the excerpts she featured were so intriguing?) from The Sassy Kathy I put a hold on The History of Love by Nicole Krauss at the library (the library is free! Why do I always forget that when I want a book! I placed holds a bunch more rockin' books... I'll blog on them as they are available!)

So far it is amazing... I plan to finish it soon. So check it out!

Meal Planning Monday!

I resolve in 2009 to make my Meal Planning Monday more involved (more links/recipes). I have to say. We eat fairly simple around here - but we eat GOOD! That is one thing I love about being a stay-at-home mom is having the time to make a good dinner. Well, let me preface that, I enjoy it, but not because my husband is a huge grouch if dinner isn't ready when he gets home. I do it for me. And that may sound selfish - but I am not one of those "anything for my husband" type gals. I love him, to death even, but not enough to become someone I don't want to be. I do enough for everyone around here without feeling guilty about saying that.

I like to do it because I like to eat good, I want my family to eat good too, but I don't do it because I am expected to or feel like I have to. I am not so "housewifely"... if you know what I mean.

This week is straight from the pantry and the freezer... so if your pantry and freezer are full like mine (some Trader Joe's "cheats" included) - this week can be inspiration for you!

Sunday - Chicken Noodle Soup -HOMEMADE! I didn't make this last week - but did tonight with my own recipe and it was SUBLIME!!! Read on... I'll post a little outline of if below.

Monday - Ravioli/Green Beans/French Bread (all in the freezer from TJ's)

Tuesday - Turkey Sloppy Joes and Broccoli (I am using frozen broccoli... because I used to be a "fresh" only type of person. But frozen is GOOD and I never even knew it! I buy a huge bag and just take enough out of the freezer for the four of us. This insures we have a least one veggie with each meal without veggies going bad in the fridge)

Wednesday - Eggrolls/Edamame/Rice/Peanut Sauce (all in the pantry/freezer from TJ's)

Thursday - Crispy Chicken (from Feb 2009 Real Simple - apparently it's not on the web yet so no link...) with Carrots and Dip... kid friendly, but still, what adult doesn't love this comfy food?

Friday - Pizza - again! We are really liking this weekly tradition. This past week my husband made it with a super thin crust and it was amazing!

Chicken Noodle Soup Run Down:

This recipe is so easy and can likely be made without a trip to the grocery store even.

First I chopped four "arms" of celery, then two handfuls of mini carrots (just what I had in the fridge) and started sweating (over high heat) those with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot. While that was heating up I started boiling water in a separate pot and boiled two chicken breasts until they were cooked thoroughly. When carrots and celery (add onion too if you would like, I just didn't have any) are getting "sweaty", add 2 or 3 garlic cloves that are minced. And let cook 3-5 minutes more. Then I added a package of mushrooms (mine were already sliced and I additionally rough chopped them too). Stir the celery, carrots, garlic and mushrooms a couple of times over this high heat. It seems "dry" in the pot, but it colors the mushrooms a bit and I find that a "colored" mushroom tends to wilt less. I hate wilty mushrooms. Once your mushrooms brown a bit start adding chicken stock. I used two boxes - but use however much you like depending on how "brothy" you like your soup. Crack two or three turns of pepper over the soup and bring to a boil. Then check on your chicken, when it is cooked through take it out of the pot and shred with two forks then add to the main pot of soup. Continue at a low temp for 10 - 15 minutes more... or however much time you have. Probably not too long though so your veggies don't turn to mush. The last step is to add the noodles. I waited until I was ready to set the table. I broke up linguine noodles into thirds, dropped them in the pot, set the table - then voila! It was done! I didn't add salt, it seems the chicken stock always adds enough flavor (buy good stock so it doesn't taste like ONLY salt).

Then I served the soup with crackers and red wine. Er. Maybe I mentioned earlier that may be a bit tacky. But alas, the mushrooms in the soup went great with the Cabernet! Enjoy!

For tons more meals... check out Org Junkie!

i am NOT buying...

I am on a little spending freeze in this house. I [conveniently] started it after I purchased these jeans and this artwork. It was briefly broken yesterday when I picked up two videos and a bag of Starburst at the video store (yes, that is how strict it is!). So if you are counting that is seven days of no spending. My goal is 25 days, so 18 more to go. Groceries and gas. That is it. And even this week I am cleaning out the pantry and freezer for dinners before I shop.

The more I read out in blog-land, I'm not the only one. But what's wrong with a little "fake" indulgence... in that spirit, this is what I am NOT buying:

I will resist these ADORABLE flats that are on sale for $63 from $108 from the always alluring Boden.


I'm walking straight past this adorable tunic that screams summer and would look so adorable over jeans or with a swim suit on the beach... (only $25)



I will not snatch up one of these adorable prints...even though my heart is all aflutter for valentines.


I'll pretend my skin wouldn't be better off for indulging in this Ginger SouffleWhipped body cream from Origins.


Care to play along? If you do... leave a comment and a link!

on being content (again...)

It's on my list. I've mentioned it before. But this year a huge goal of mine is to be content. I've got more to say on it, and I suspect I will all year long.

Yesterday I had a "mirror" moment with my four year old son. You know those times your children become a mirror, reflect you, and it's not pretty (sometimes it is, but this one was more eye-opening)? If you have kids, you likely know what I mean. If you don't. Bless you and your oblivion. It's a very challenging part of parenthood for me. For me though, the silver lining is that I am recognizing these moments, coming to terms with them, learning from them and moving on. So the "mirror" moments, while maybe unkind at the moment, turn into life lessons. And for that I can be thankful.

~~~

I was playing a board game with my son yesterday and while we were playing I noticed some typical four year old behavior. But in a new light. Every time it was his turn and he had a success, he would be SO excited (as would I for him)... we would whoop it up and have some fun and then move on. Then when it was my turn and I would have some success he just couldn't take it. He would cry and pout and be a general four-year-old about it. This started spiraling. Before I knew it, he couldn't even play the game anymore. Couldn't concentrate enough on his own turn because he would be so upset about a match I had previously made (the game was Memory). Prior to the spiral, he was playing a great game... we were neck and neck. But when he started comparing, he lost his footing.

Decor8 has an amazing series she just started this past week on living a creative life. (If you haven't checked it out - you must! And read the comments too - such great stuff!) A lot of the comments mirrored my own thoughts. And a lot of them were to this effect: "But the creative pool is so flooded... where do I fit in?" "I'm not as good as other artists, I'm afraid that I'll seem a fraud."

While I am making room in my life for contentment - there can be no room for comparison.

Don't forget to visit The Inspired Room for more on how people are making their lives more beautiful. Inside and out!

more on closets...

I just loved reading your comments on my recent post about closets. And I have some updates for you on my own!

~~~

Many of you mentioned that your closets are a mess or that you would be embarrassed to have any one look in there... and I suspect there are more of you that feel the same! I have MANY times held this exact sentiment. But let me tell you a little secret, likely if you don't like your closet, you have trouble finding something to wear as well. Am I close? And on top of that, once you find it you may not like it? Closer? I know, because I used to be in the same situation!

Not all of us can have walk-in closets. I know how lucky I am that our Master Bedroom has one. But folks, I have lived on an eighth of what I have now and you can too! [Quick note, I am almost ashamed to admit it, but in between this house and our prior house we rented a rockin' urban loft style condo where my closet was actually double what I have now... sob. I am moving on though... moving on.] Organization is the key and guess what... for the most part, organization is free! I know bins and baskets and shoe holders can do a world of a difference. But I will show you my reorg of the closet - without buying anything (yet!).

~~~
I mentioned earlier that I was purging! And purge I did... I found 26 individual items: shoes, jackets, shirts, jeans, sweaters that I no longer wore. I liked them. But I didn't wear them. I sold them on ebay and actually got a good chunk of change for them. [I wish to buy more clothes... but no... I'm liking the pared down look, plus I just found this buffet that after sleeping on, I am sure I am in love with]. So on to the photos... here are the before and below that the afters. You'll see that it is nothing spectacular, but it is organized and I didn't spend a dime (I actually made money!)





Here are some notes on the afters...
- Long things (jackets/sweaters/dresses) are hanging to the left.
- I moved all the tops/bottoms that were hanging on the top rack to the bottom so I could visually open the space to see my accessories easily (the accessory tree and purses). And so that the sweaters could come from off the floor to the top and are nicely folded. Right above the sweaters I need some art... I'll be on the hunt for that!
- All items (pants, jeans, tops, sweaters, scarves and shoes) are organized from left to right, lightest to darkest.
- I hung the purses with some extra shower curtain hooks I had laying around, you could also easily use "s" hooks from the hardware store. I like this because I can see what I have and they aren't getting wrinkly laying in a pile (as they were previously). Also it shows me that I have way too many dark colored handbags. If I would have known this before, my last handbag purchase would have been different!
- Scarves - I have a "thing" for scarves - can 'ya tell? Ha. I could actually find a couple more around this house to add too! But again, colored from left to right, and spread out so I can see them all. You may not want to devote this much space to scarves, but I wear one pretty much every day, so for me it was important. I just used a "tie rack" that was already there.
- Next to scarves are belts, and similar to the purses I realized I have a lot of belts that are similar to each other. So for shopping purposes for the future - now that I can see them better I will likely make a wiser purchase next time.
- Lastly, the shoes. All of the summer shoes are on the bottom shelf (don't need those now!) and on top the shoes are organized by heel/flat/boot. I had these in the closet already.

So there it is. I know this was wordy. But I hope you enjoyed it. Next is finding a wall color (I'm first going to see what we have downstairs as I know there are some unopened cans) after that... I'm going to ask your opinions! Another goal of mine is to spread out the jewelry and accessories a bit. They are kind of crowded in the corner. And lastly some artwork! (Maybe a new light too...)

How would you...

Just a quick question... how would you refinish this if you had the choice?

I really want a buffet for my living area to store kids toys/books/etc and don't want to pay a lot for it. I just found this on craigslist and I like it a lot because of the marble top and the two glass doors. But I can't quite imagine how I would refinish it. My living room wall color is here in an earlier post and I already have three wood pieces in the room... two are antique dressers I have painted and distressed black and the other is a very large mahogany secretary/roll top desk - that is worn and comfy with no refinishing. Go black? Go worn? Go red?

Fashion Friday... all you need is love!

As you may (or may not) know... Fashion Friday is where I take one item that I have highlighted over the past week an formulate an outfit using it. Today I am feeling basic and simple and cozy. I really loved this scarf I featured in yesterday's rainbow post from www.Vivre.com that I think was actually in their men's department... but men's-shmen's. I like it. And this week is so cold and miserable with having a sick kid that I just need some comfy-cozy goodness. How about you?


all you need is love. by Jill GG

I'm Hooked on...

CLOSETS!!!! It is on my list to work on my closet this year... we are lucky enough to have his and hers... his is a modest size closet on one side of the room and hers is a spacious walk in clear on the other side of the room. Yes, I know, I know. LUCKY! For a while we were sharing the walk-in, but it just started getting a little "tight" and I wanted some room to spread out and also to make it more of a dressing area... than just for clothing.

It's not hard to fall head over heels for these great ideas...

Showing and storing jewelry and accessories is going to be a big part of it. These gals do it well.

One after another, these don't disappoint!

No one can stop talking about how brilliant these closets are - they don't even look like closets!

Somehow I just know I would be a better person if this is what my closet looked like.

And lastly, I may have mentioned it before. I could just cry I love this one so much. Seriously. Love. Lust. Covet.

And to top it all off... some fabulous fashion inspired artwork to hang in there wouldn't hurt!

Real actual photos of my closet and some changes in there soon!

Stop by Hooked on Houses to see what everyone else is buzzing about!

rainbow inspiration...

My four year old son asked me today, "when do the rainbows come back?" - the kid is obsessed with spring and summer. And with windchills at or below zero and feet (not inches!) of snow on the ground, who could blame him. Here's some rainbow inspiration... similar to one I did in patent recently.


rainbows... by Jill GG

Where are you finding your rainbows lately? All of this goodness is from Vivre.com - pure indulgence!

Boden introduces Spring line!

And of course it is fabulous! Use this link to get 10% off your order!

Lest you need additional inspiration... here are some gorgeous ensembles featuring the ever popular yellow. I love this muted tone with the grey... it's so chic and refined while still casual and appealing.

Merino Pintuck Tunic


Short Sleeve Ruffle Henley


Flowerburst Shirt


Will you be wearing yellow this spring?