Gift Guide for Stocking Stuffers

November 20, 2015
Some of the best gifts my kids have received they said were in their stockings.  I love filling their stockings and to this day it is still the first thing they want to open.  





Big O Keyring /   Jo Malone Set   /  Manicure Set  / Slip Silk Sleep Mask  /  Bando Selfie Case  / The Giving Key Necklace   /  Pink Beanie  /  Large Wishbone ornaments   /  Mantra Bands Bracelets  /  Truffle Privacy wristlet   /  Rabbit Ears Frame   /  Swell Champagne Bottle  

For Your Best Friend

November 16, 2015
Can you believe the holiday season is upon us?  Yesterday I joked when Joe asked what I had planned for the day that I was putting the tree up for Christmas!  Ha, he didn't find that overly funny, but was a bit nervous I could have been serious!  Traditionally I never decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving.  I do however start my shopping.  When the boys were little I would have 90% off my shopping done before September ended.  As the years have passed and the boys grown I have not been as good with this goal.   So I hope my gift guides are helpful for you as they are for me!  First up with my gift guides is the best friend.  That person who is your ride or die friend.  This is for her!



Crown Ring Holder  /  Thelma & Louise Glasses  / Bling Pouch   /  Nest Fragrance /  Phone Charger  / Jo Malone Body Wash  / Letter Light  /  Regent Ring Quad  /  Monogram Key Chain  /  Laura Mercier Souffle Cream set  / Slip Silk Pillowcase  /  Madison Cross body  

How to make Burlap Leaves

September 18, 2015
Art


How_To_Make_Burlap_Leaves


I decided to end the week with a quick fall DIY.  I shared these leaves in my Metallic Pumpkins giveaway post earlier this week.... If you haven't entered yet no worries there is still time; click here and enter to win a trio of pumpkins of your choice!  These leaves were super easy and can be completed in one afternoon. 

Supplies

Burlap - I picked mine up at Target with the gold flecks
Mod Podge - Watered down glue would work too
Shapes of leaves
Scissors
Paint
Fine tip sharpie


I gathered leaves from the park, but you could also google leaf shapes and find a few samples.  

Next I traced the shapes on my burlap as close as possible to minimize waste.  In order to keep the edges from fraying I lightly coated the edge of the shapes with mod podge.  

Once dry, I cut out all my leaves. 

Now for the interesting step.  I wanted to add color but didn't want to cover my gold flecks.  I mixed several colors together or reds, oranges, yellows, and browns to color the tips of the leaves.  Then I went back over the edges of the leaves with my finger and tipped them in gold for a little shimmer.  Once they were dry and I was pleased with the mottled colors I lined the leaves with veins.








How_To_Make_fall_Leaves_from_Burlap


Enjoy!


Mixing Metallics for Fall and a Giveaway

September 15, 2015
Have you seen LoveFeastShop  plush velvet pumpkins?  They are gorgeous.  I have the Sunset Trio  and shared how I styled them in my home here.  This year I'm adding a new set to my decor and I couldn't be more excited.  Are you ready for this?  Metallic gold pumpkins.  Gorgeous; not to be outdone by the silver metallic either!   You will have a chance to win a set of your choice too. Ekkkk... get excited!






I struggled briefly deciding between the silver and gold, but in the end the gold went better with my Sunset trio.  I really love the lambskin set too!  I don't want to jump the gun and pull out all my fall decor but I did style my sofa table with my new set and couldn't be happier with how the two sets go together.  See how I made my velvet acorns for my décor here or if you're not too crafty, you can purchase those from here as well!  





I found a roll of burlap with gold flecks in it and made about a dozen leaves to add to my decor.  The gold flecks in the burlap compliment the metallic pumpkins well.  Keep an eye out for when I share how I made these leaves a little later.



Are you ready for fall?  Have you already pulled out your decorations?  Well today I am going to help you get started.  I have teamed up with LoveFeastShop and we are  offering a Trio of your choice of pumpkins (excluding the lambskin) to compliment your home this fall season.  I know it's not pumpkin spice latte but it is a trio of adorable pumpkins!  





Enter below using the rafflecopter form!    If the form doesn't load simply click the link below and it will take you straight to the entry form!   Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


You sold your house... So now what?

August 11, 2015

The real estate market is on its game again.  With people buying and selling new homes this time of year, or any time for that matter, helping out the new homeowner is a bonus. Have you ever bought a new home and wondered what your wall color was?  What about samples of your wallpaper, or carpet?    I know that when and if I sell my home I will be gifting the new owners with some helpful information.  Actually.... it's golden information!   I have done a lot of updating recently to my home, painting, new carpet, wallpaper and some updated pillows. When I am going shopping for something for the house I like to take my book with me to have all the color swatches available to make sure the new item will work in my home.    I shared my master house book and you can read what goes in it here.  




Here is a list of helpful information you should leave for your new home owner. If the owners are new to the area they will be most grateful for this information. 


Master color book.  As I mentioned above, you can read all about what goes into mine here.

Swatches.  These should be a part of your master house book, but if not, you will want to leave a sample of any fabrics that are staying with the house.




Service men you used.  This is a must.  Any service company you have used will most likely have a history of your service as well as you trust them to be reliable and honest.

Neighbors list.  This is tricky because what you really want to do is warn them about the crazy neighbors you have but that would be passing judgment and for all you know the new owners may love the crazy neighbors!   You want to leave a list of the most relevant neighbors; next door on both sides, across the street, and behind you. 

Closest stores.  Create a list of the closest drug store, Target, grocery store, gas station, 24 hour pharmacy and post office. 

Driving Shortcut secrets.  Know a few secrets?  Share with the new owners a few short cuts thru perhaps the neighborhood or to the school or store! 

Did I miss anything?  What would you want the owners to leave on your list? 




White Chairs

June 25, 2015
I shared my master bedroom recently and though I should share a few of the other updates I have been doing around the house. We added these white chairs and this rug to open up the room a bit more.  Not that a 16 ft ceiling isn't open but the white brightened up the room.  In case you missed my bedroom reveal you can see it here, and my office here.  I thought I would share a few of the other updating that has been taking place in other areas of my home.  This past weekend I hung new wallpaper in the master bath, now I'm searching for the right area rug and a few pieces of art to finish that room makeover as well.  I'm a busy girl these days around the house it seems! 









White Chairs ~ Heart Coasters ~ Pillows (All made by me) Fur hide ~ Rug ~ Mirror side table ~ Silver Initials (similar) ~ Tray (very similar)  ~ 

Lately

May 27, 2015
Happy Hump day!  I cannot believe we are half way thru this week!  A girl could get use to  having  3 day weekends!  I thought I would just post a little update on whats been going on around here.  I have been busy as a bee behind the scenes.  We had new carpet installed in the house and that means total removal of everything out of all the rooms, then put it all back again!  I was exhausted to say the least but love the new carpet so I guess it was worth all the work.  I took the opportunity to get rid of some things since I was forced to move it all... and I use the word "force" loosely!  

As you may know, I am a board member of the KC Blogger Meetup and we held or spring/summer meet up last week.  It was a great evening and you can read the full recap here.  I have been sending a part of my evenings preparing and planning for the event in the weeks leading up to the event so by the time I was able to sit down and work on my blog post I was too tired.   Rain.... rain.... and more rain!  That is what we have.  Last weekend we had one day of full on sunshine and I wasn't about to waste it.  I planted flowers like it was my business!  My lower back however the next day wasn't as thrilled, but I am glad that chore is done! 

I was introduced by a friend to the app Dubsmash.... you need to check it out.  

It is free, hilariously fun, and addicting!  I think I missed my calling and should have been in movies, or at least a sitcom! 

I am planning a trip to San Diego and LA next month for a few days so packing and preparing is about to commence.  I can't wait to wake up early, grab a coffee and walk the beach as the sun rises.  More details on my trip as soon as I have a few more things finalized.  




Lastly.... I know I shared my master bedroom mood board here, but it is finally done!  I took photos a few days ago and the final reveal should be ready next week!  I am excited to see what you all think! It truly has been a labor of love and patience's.  



Shop Local

May 13, 2015
Art
I spent my Saturday afternoon this past weekend at the beautiful Trapp and Company store here in Kansas City.  Celebrating their Spring into Summer event, the store was full of brightly colored clothing, décor, and of course flowers. I want to thank all of you that stopped by to shop and visit.  It was a fun day.  Being the day before Mother's day the floral department was operating at maximum.  I could have spent more time back there watching the artist arrange gorgeous arrangements. If you weren't able to visit.... no worries. I have plenty of visuals for you today!  This is only a snap shot of the store and you must see it in person.  Lets get right to it shall we?




This is the same sweater tunic I styled here but in white. 
 





 
This floral arrangement was my favorite as you can imagine with the pretty pinks.   
 

Don't forget dear old dad.... Father's day is coming up and there is a great section for the fellas!


 
This vase!
 

 

Just me hanging out in the flower cooler. 
 



 
This is only a portion of the wall of Trapp candles and scents.  I found a new favorite Black Pepper.  But I still love the orange vanilla.
 

 


Spring Sweater

May 07, 2015





When Trapp and Company invited me to their store to select an outfit I was pleasantly surprised at their selection.  Upon first entering the store the smell of sweet floral encompassed me. Known for their gorgeous floral arrangements and Trapp Candles, it was no wonder the smell was so good. Once I made it thru the beautiful home décor to the women's department it became a color explosion. Comprised of a wide range of designers including Dizzie Lizzie, Trina Turk, Hobo, Bianca and Gretchen Scott, I found it difficult to not want one of everything. Their fashion department consists of colorful scarfs, handbags, jewelry and women’s ready to wear.  Literally you could put together your outfit from head to toe. With designs such as Julie Vos and Karin Sultane I was in heaven.  
Jane, a member of the retail department, was so helpful in assisting me with colors and styles. This is one of the outfits I selected... well actually Jane selected it and I loved it from the minute I put it on. It is also available in white, olive, and denim.  One of my favorite details to a great shopping experience is knowing you are not in a cookie cutter outfit; this is what makes Trapp and Company so unique.


As a reminder, their Spring Into Summer Event is this weekend.  Trapp and Company is kicking off the event today with mimosas and macarons.  You can see a list of full event details here.  I will be there Saturday from 11-2 so be sure to stop by and say "Hi"...and if you don't see me.... I am probably in a dressing room wanting to add even more to my closet. Haha!! I hope to see you all on Saturday.  If Saturday is not convenient for you, please remember they will be celebrating their Spring Into Summer Event all weekend long! 

Located on 4110 Main Street, right around the corner from the Plaza, Trapp and Company is definitely going to be my new place to shop.









Sweater Tunic c/o ~ Leggings c/o ~ Scarf c/o ~ Shoes (similar) ~ Handbag ~ Bracelet ~ Watch ~ Earrings c/o ~ 




This post was sponsored by Trapp and Company but all experiences and opinions are mine. 

Mood Board / Master Bedroom

May 04, 2015
Art
Happy Monday.  I spent my weekend in Tulsa and have a full heart after spending time with my family there.  If you follow me on instagram you know that no trip home is complete without stopping off to see Jill at Rustic Cuff.  I have lots of new goodies to share soon. Today I am sharing my Master Bedroom mood board.  If you have been following along with me for a while now you know I have been working on my Master bedroom.  Yes...I know I started it last spring, and yes.... I know this seems to be a long time, but trust me when I say I think it was worth it.  A few details changed from the original plan in my head and I am glad I was patient with the ideas.    I knew what I was looking for in the overall look and I wanted to be careful with the amount of pink I add as well as the shade.  It's almost complete and I can't wait to share it in the coming weeks!  Stay tuned!

bedroom-decorating-decor



My Weekend

April 20, 2015



Hi guys. My weekend was both a little productive and relaxing.   Saturday I had my hair appointment that I almost forgot about.  It is officially spring time so I brightened up my blond and love it.  It rained pretty much all of Saturday which sucks for that being my hair day because of all the added humidity, but It stayed pretty straight believe it or not.  Did a few errands, ended up at Nordstrom (crazy how that happens).  My parents were visiting in town and we took my mom out for dinner to celebrate her birthday from earlier in the week. 

Sunday morning rolled around and while waiting for my coffee I scrolled thru my instagram to see all the "crazy" "selfish" "mad" people rushing the Lilly for Target release.  Oh my gosh! If I ever had a inkling of fomo (fear of missing out)..... it was gone before I ever knew it was there.  There was nothing about that mess that I wanted to partake in.  Now... would I like a pretty pink and green shift dress? Sure!  Do I want to fight someone else for it? No!  I think Target could have handled the release a bit more organized, and even spread it out thru the course of the day with limited amounts released so it could allow more people to actually purchase it for themselves rather than those who turn around and eBay it for the highest amount.  Just my take... that's all! 

I face timed with my youngest grandson who insisted he comes to Mimi's house to play!  Haha.  We did purchase a few new plants and rose bushes for the yard, but with all the rain the ground was too soggy to work in the yard and plant anything.  I also picked up a few peony bushes.  I hope they flourish!  I straightened up around the house preparing for a few new installs we have planned that I will share a little later on with you.  So..... summing it up, my weekend was pretty darn good.  How was your weekend?

Removing Candle Wax

April 14, 2015

home-decor-fresh-flowers


I enjoy having fresh flowers around my home weekly.  I pick up a couple of bunches from Sams generally and divide them up usually between two or three vases.  I have had great luck with them lasting two weeks before I change them out.  There are a few places a large vase or jar is just too big.  I also love candles in my home and the Capri Blue candles from Anthropologie not only smell good... the jars are so pretty.  I decided to clean one of the jars out of the hardened wax to repurpose the jars.  Flowers + repurposed pretty jars = Perfect!!!  I am going to share with you the easiest way I found to clean the hardened wax out of the jars so you have a clean container.  Its only a few easy steps and a couple of pointers of what NOT to do.

candle-jar-wax-removal


Boil enough water to fill your container.  Using hot pads, pour the boiling water carefully into your jar in a safe location on your counter.   Allow the jar to sit for a few hours,   even better... overnight.  When you come back the wax will have cooled and solidified at the top of the water.  The water allows the wax to soften and as the temperature cools the wax begins to harden and float.  If you have a larger piece of remaining wax in your jar, simply cut it in two with a butter knife and remove the pieces. I recommend not removing the wax from the water before it has completely cooled for risk of burning your hands.  After you remove the wax do not pour the water down your drain.  Here is why...    There may be remaining wax in the water and you won't want that clinging in your sink or down your drain. Dispose of the water in your yard.  As far as the wick glued to the bottom of the jar, I have been successful in prying it up, but it may take a little bit of force.  If you have a colored jar like my red one below, to remove the label do not scratch the glass with anything sharp or the color will scratch off.  


anthropologie-candle-jar



Add flowers, makeup brushes, candy, sea shell.... whatever you like and enjoy.



About Peridot Skies

Popular Posts

Fierce 50 Member

Fierce 50 Member

Partners

Midwest Style Bloggers
IFB