Crushing On: Concrete Counters

I don't know about you but kitchen makeovers make we weak in the knees. It's the space that often gets the most use and when it's functional and beautiful everyone is happy...especially the main cook in the house.  We are going to be embarking on our very own kitchen remodel soon (Eek!) and I've been gathering my wants/needs/and have-to-have lists for some time now. How is it that my have-to-have's always end up being so expensive?! Sigh.

One of the most important components of the kitchen is the counter top right? I mean who wants to remodel a kitchen and be stuck with boring black laminate. Not me (but hey if that's your thing you rock it).  So after much debate and deliberation (and a serious look at our budget) we decided marble was out and concrete was in. Do I feel like I'm settling? Nope. Let's just look at how beautiful these countertops can be.

Domino

Style Files

A Beautiful Mess

Chris Loves Julia

Young House Love

Those examples demonstrate how versatile this countertop can be regardless of your personal style. Mixed with more rustic elements and some subway tile with dark grout they really say farmhouse style (I know for sure Joanna from Fixer Upper is all about those concrete counters). When paired with a light subway tile and grout and some mixed light and dark cabinets they are classic and chic. They definitely are a nod to an industrial style where I can picture exposed wood shelving and mixed metals - a masculine take on counters.

They also can be very budget friendly! Young House Love used the Ardex concrete over their existing laminate counters for under $100! Concrete Countertop Solutions also has a system that requires removal of your countertop and pouring the concrete over backer board.  It's a tad more expensive that route but still can be thousands of dollars less than marble or quartz.  

I just think it's a fun way to update the kitchen and is somewhat unexpected! With the plans I am scheming they are sure to be a chic update to our blah and boring kitchen. Now if I could just snap my fingers and they'd be done we'd be in business! 

Is anyone else on the concrete countertop train? Anyone have any tips or reccomendaitons?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Favorite Finds

Hi friends!

Welcome back to another edition of Favorite Finds! I decided back in August to start a little series to give some warm fuzzies to bloggers I'm digging, products I can't live without, and in general what is inspiring me. You can see some past posts here and here.

So today I'm back with another fun little round up and I hope you find something you'll fall in love with too!

Favorite Find One

You all know I love a good high/low. Nothing gets me more excited than finding a sweet sweet deal on something I've had my eye on.  Since I'm sure you all feel the same, I'm going to pass on this little secret to you! 

 We are in project dining room right now and I have been searching for a rug for quite awhile...and not just any rug.  I was in the market for a faux cowhide rug with a touch of glam.  Easy to find right? 

Well, not only did I find ONE but TWO of these coveted rugs but at very different price points. 

Here's the first from Rugs USA.

via

This 5x7 gorgeous gold metallic rug is currently listed at $411. Trust me, I was saving my little pennies dollars for the splurge. Well then my birthday happened and World Market sent me a coupon for $10 off. So I perused the site and found this:

via

This World Market rug was slightly smaller at 5x6'7" but had the price tag of $150! That's 1/3rd off the price folks! And thanks to that little birthday coupon and some other rewards points I snagged that rug up for $137 and free shipping! 

I can't wait to see this whole space come together knowing I have this little beauty beneath my feet!

Favorite Find Two

So there's an online store well known for clothes called ModCloth. They have cute, unique, and retro style pieces that are very affordable.  I happened to be shopping the store around Christmas time and was pleasantly surprised to see their collection of home decor items! Here's a little sampling:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I mean how cute right?! And very affordable! That gold chandelier is less than $150! I kinda wanna snag that up. But, what I did buy was that peony notecard set. They are Kari Herer (one of my favorite artists) and came in a set of 20. So my plan is pop them into some matted frames and create a gallery wall.  And at $15 you can't beat that! So if you haven't yet be sure to check out their home decor collection and I can guarantee you'll find something that suits your fancy.  

Favorite Find Three

So as much as I love writing on my blog I equally enjoy reading other blogs! It's one of my favorite hobbies and where I find so much inspiration. One blogger I've so been enjoying is Kimberly from Swoon Worthy Blog. She has a self coined 'eclectic boho glam' vibe that truly is swoon worthy. For oodles of inspiration go check out her home tour. Here's just a peak at some areas of her home that are on a whole other level. 

via

I'm totally smitten with that wallpaper and those chippendale chairs!

via

I mean that kitchen is drop dead gorgeous right? Loving those black cabinets and gold hardware - I definitely wanna hang out in here. 

So if you haven't yet, head to her blog and check out all the yumminess! She even has this great article on finding your own style.

That's all I've got today friends! Anyone else digging a faux cowhide rug? I'm loving the look!

Have a great weekend!

Styling a mantle with a TV

Hi friends and Happy New Year!!
It's been a little while but I wanted to say 'I'm Back!' after spending some time off with my family for the holidays. It always feel so good to recharge and refresh!

A friend of mine recently decided to get one of those big black boxes above her mantle and it got me thinking - that would be a great blog post on how to style the mantle! It can be a tricky endeavor to navigate between a clean vs. cluttered look so I thought I'd share how I style my mantle as well as some mantle inspo.

The mantle is one area of the room I often switch around depending on the season...or my mood.  And lemme tell you my husband is a real stickler on not allowing anything to obstruct the view of the TV. So I've embraced a 'less is more' look and have been happy with the outcome.  Mantles with oodles of knick knacks and trinkets can look cluttered and if anything make the black tv seem more of a focal - which is definitely not the idea.  Here are some mantle/TV combos that are spot on.

Style Me Pretty

Now, I suddenly want a mantle 'o cacti and succulent. How cute is that?!

Thrifty Decor Chick

Adding architectural details and a pop of unexpected color is a great way to 'camouflage' the TV. A simple box with potted plants underneath is a simple and classic addition.  

Hamptons Style

I'm normally a sucker for symmetry but I kind of love the varying heights flanking the TV.

I Heart Organizing

Now my all time blog hero Jen from I Heart Organizing knows how to perfectly style everything - and this mantle display is no exception. Perfectly placed mixed height vases are the just the right balance. The blooms can easily be switched out depending on the season - even faux blooms would be great!

Studio McGee

I know what you're thinking - there is nothing on the mantle?! But how beautiful and simplistic is this! The built in bookcases are the real gem here and the TV simply blends into the decor. So, if you feel like going for a more minimalist route - this proves how beautiful it can be.

Sarah Sherman Samuel

Another minimalist mantle but with a beautiful stained wood. 

And now here is how my mantle is styled currently. I really like symmetry to balance the space but it's fun to throw in some other items to make it interesting.

Also ignore my sad looking fiddle leaf and leaning candle up there on the right. Proof no home is perfect! ha! 

I scored the candle sticks on super clearance from Target last year and the candles are a Hobby Lobby find.  

My mom got me those sweet little bowls for Christmas and the frame is a page I carefully cut out of a Kate Spade book. 

A simple candle holder sits in the middle with battery operated candles to avoid flames under the TV- the husband would not approve otherwise!

So many beautiful options! Which one is your favorite?

Crushing on Live Edge Dining Tables

So, we are in the midst of our dining room update...my husband is literally paining as I type. We will have some shiny new walls, trim, wallpaper, and crown molding. But the real star of the room has to be the table! We've been wanting to build a table since move-in and now it's time to buckle down and figure out what we want.  In my pinterest searching, catalog flipping, and mental note making of the things I'm really drawn to I have found a major crush on the live edge dining tables.

For those who may not know what that means (I didn't know before now!) I will spend the rest of the post showing you some eye candy - dining room table style.

So, what is a Live Edge Table? Well, I don't know the exact definition...but I do know that it's rustic and modern and just that little something extra.  Basically instead of a perfectly flat edge table top, you have rivets and curves and irregular edges. It's just so...fancy!

Here's an example from Anthropologie (my dream store):

via

See how there is a slight curve to the edge of the wood? I love it. And don't even get me started on those gold legs.

BUT, this table is over $2000....so not in the Wright budget. 

Here's another one on Etsy from The Bearded Bowtie.

via

Gorgeous.  I love the uniqueness each piece brings. You can get a custom quote from The Bearded Bowtie to have your own table made with specific dimensions.  Definitely worth checking out! Also those gold legs...swoon. You can tell I'm leaning toward a gold leg...no surprise I'm sure. 

These next tables seriously blow my mind.  Can they BE any more gorgeous?! (a la Chandler Bing)

via

They are made by a German company called Nuts and Woods and even though the prices are in Euros  I'm certain they are very expensive after you factor in shipping.  But HOLY MAMA are they pretty.  Maybe I could just buy those legs?

If you are in the DIY mood for this type of table like we are - there are some great tutorials out there! 

Here's an amazing table DIY'd by DesignDiningandDiapers.  

via

They did a beautiful job and shared all the details on their blog!

Another great DIY Living Edge Table comes from the Hunted Interior.

via

I love the color and the edge on this piece. They actually created the curves on the edge of the wood with a sander! You'll have to check out how easy it looks!

So, now that you're well versed in all things Live Edge Dining Tables the husband and I are going to DIY the heck outta these things.  

Think gold legs, dark stain, marine epoxy, and all the heart eyes. 

Oh, and I still have to pick out chairs....

Which table was your favorite?! Anyone out there also on the live edge train?

Modern Farmhouse Glam Wall Planter DIY

How about a fun and easy DIY fit for almost all decor styles? If that sounds interesting stay tuned because I've got just the thing for you!

Folks, when you find geometric gold wall planters in the clearance bin of Anthropologie at 40% off - you snag them up and worry about what you're going to do with them later.  That's exactly what I did. 

So, when my good blog friend Sarah from Making Joy and Pretty Things asked me to do a guest post I knew I could marry our two styles (farmhouse and glam) to create something fabulous.  

And that's how this little DIY wall planter was born!

Heck, it's easy enough you could make a few of these in time for Christmas...assuming you also have some wall plant hangers lying around....or Amazon Prime....

So, head on over to Making Joy and Pretty Things to see the full tutorial! 

Happy Monday!

Hot Cocoa Bar Essentials

Well it's officially a Winter Wonderland here in West Michigan! It's oh so pretty and has me wanting to drink coffee and hot cocoa for daysssss.  Good thing I created a Hot Cocoa bar just for that! Today I'm going to show you everything you need to make one yourself.  Oh, and in case you missed my Holiday Home Tour you can check it out now and then come back to see all the details!

The great thing about doing a Hot Cocoa bar (besides the yummy drink) is there are endless ways to personalize it and make it your own! In fact, you don't even need a fancy tray or bar cart - having a designated place on the counter would suffice. Even an old dresser or credenza would make be a fun place to set up a designated cocoa stations. BUT if you do have a tray or bar cart it's nice to not have to take up valuable counter space. The tray I found at At Home was $40! Can't beat that! 

Here's a quick snap shot of some essentials and then I'll break it down:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

• Pretty Bowls- Use these to fill with all the fun toppings! Any container will do but I love how pretty and sweet these bowls are from Target.  
• Spoons - For stirring of course!
• Mugs - This is where your personality and decor style can really shine! I love the gold and black mugs I found at At Home but any mugs will do of course.  Matching - not matching - the skies the limit!
• Hot Cocoa - I used a can powder for our hot cocoa bar but there are so many options. A Keurig on the bar or counter with hot cocoa pods would work great. Ive even seen recipes for crock pot hot coca which would be fun if you're setting this up for a crowd.  I love the idea of an electric kettle to instantly add hot water or milk to the cocoa powder if you choose that option. And there are so many cute electric kettle options! 
• Toppings- Again, the options are endless. I kept it simple with pink marshmallows and chocolate pretzel rods but you could add candy canes, whipped cream, chocolate chips, caramel syrup, and chocolate syrup
• Flowers - While this certainly isn't essential, I think it's fun to add some height, personality, and a pop of color with a decorative vase. 
• BONUS - A framed printable to place in your designated hot cocoa bar space is a sweet way to let everyone know they can help themselves. You can include all the toppings in the frame, or just simply a 'happy holiday's printable, or a winter related graphic.

Image courtes NeriPhoto

Image Courtesy NeriPhoto

Image Courtesy NeriPhoto

Doesn't it look so sweet?! I just love having this cozy space in my house for these winter months. 

Oh and here's a free gift to you! 

I made a 'Hot Chocolate Bar' printable and popped it into this frame I had on hand.  I printed on thick card stock and printed it as a 4x7.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

And there you have it friends! All the essentials you need to create your own hot cocoa bar! 

Who doesn't love that?!

Happy Sipping!

Hot Chocolate Bar and Christmas Traditions| My Reason with At Home

*This is a sponsored post and I have received product from At Home for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own*

I can't think of a time of year more centered around tradition than Christmas and the holiday's.  Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge stickler for tradition! My mom tried to change around the Thanksgiving menu one year and I about lost it - we must always have green bean casserole, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and stuffing - and the rest can be changed to her hearts desire. But don't mess with tradition!

So, this holiday season At Home asked us to share #myreason for decorating and how we incorporate tradition and memories into our homes.  Because I'm a firm believer our homes should be a reflection of our families, decorating for the holiday's is the perfect time to bring tradition (both old and new) and memories into our spaces.

So follow along as I share with you some holiday updates and a new tradition for the cooler winter months that makes us feel allllll cozy.  And be sure to check out the other talented ladies in our Holiday Blog Hop! Oh, and we're giving away a $100 gift card to At Home!

At Home with Zan

Sunshine and Munchkins

My Life from Home

An Alli Event

Restyle it Wright <---- That's Me! :)

Craftivity Designs

Blue i Style

Loveland Lodge

Making Joy and Pretty Things

We'll start our little tour in the living room.  My son was SO excited to get Christmas set up after Thanksgiving he literally brought the bins up from the basement himself.  That is saying something folks.  So with his Santa hat on we started setting up our tree with all his favorite handmade and collected ornaments.  Abby was placing ornaments around the tree also and ensuring there weren't clumps of ornaments in one spot....she's a stickler for detail that one.  

We only have the one tree but I'm definitely itching to get some new ones on season end clearance.  Somewhere out there a big poufy pink tree is calling my name.  For now, our little tree makes my heart happy knowing it's filled with the ornaments that have such sentimental value.  

The mantel got a little mercury and metallic love this year. A simply gold garland from At Home and some mercury trees keep things simple and chic.  

The rest of the living room received a few festive updates and the addition of a few picture ledge shelves I got for super clearance on cyber Monday.

They perfectly fill that awkward space! Now, I can change these up as my mood strikes me for an instant change...let's be honest I like the instant gratification type decor. 

The shelves got re-arranged a bit and Drew placed his favorite nutcracker right where he wanted him.  

My favorite little corner got some gorgeous faux florals courtesy of At Home.  I love the bit of glam and texture they add.  Don't you just want to curl up there and read a book? Give me a cup of coffee and I'm there!

That's about it for holiday decor in our living room. 

Moving around to the hallway I recently shared on Instagram my DIY hoop wreath I created at West Elm event with Rebecca from Inspired Life Interiors. We had so much fun!

Love the fresh greenery and pops of gold!

In our foyer I added a touch of Christmas with this sweet little tree from At Home.  It was too cute to resist! Our banister has the same gold leaf garland from the mantle. Just a hint of holiday. I also replaced our hallway picture with a more Christmas appropriate sign from At Home.

Next up is our formal living and the addition of a new holiday tradition! I'm most excited about this! We are a hot-drink kinda family and coffee and hot chocolate is the drink of choice.  There's something so magical about a warm cup to fill your belly and my kids LOVE this. So I thought it would be fun to surprise them with a hot chocolate bar will all the fixings! 

I picked up this cute tray and almost all the fancy things you see from At Home. Let's see the details!

I steamed some hot milk and picked up a can of hot cocoa mix...yummmm. I placed the hot cocoa and little gold spoons in a gold dish I already had. I picked up some black and white stripe napkins from At Home along with the mini cake stand to add some height.  

I filled a pretty bowl with some pink marshmallows (naturally) and it looks so sweet!

I created this 'Hot Chocolate Bar' printable and popped into a frame. As since it's the season for giving I uploaded it for you as well! You can download your very own right here.  (I recommend printing on thick card stock and I printed as a 4x6)

What hot chocolate bar would be complete without some chocolate pretzel rods for dipping?

I saw these mugs at At Home and knew they'd be perfect for this little space!

And they were 2 for $9.99! Super cute.  

I really wanted to add some height and color so I found this vase there as well and filled with some faux flowers.

I love the height and color it added!

And now it's time to bring up the kids to enjoy! 

These kiddos and creating memories with them are #myreason to decorate for the holiday's. Whether it's a hot cup of cocoa or decorating the tree or snuggling and watching our favorite holiday movies - I am so grateful to have a warm home and a roof over our head to create these memories in. So thank you At Home for reminding us what the season is all about and for celebrating the small joys in life - as simple as a cup of hot cocoa.  

What's your reason to decorate for the holiday's? What traditions do you have? Anyone OBSESSED with National Lampoon Christmas Vacation as much as me? I'm proud of the fact that as a family we know that movie word for word. Brings me great joy to hear the random movie quotes throughout the month.  

Be sure to check out the other talented ladies reason for the season and make sure you enter the $100 giveaway! I know for a fact they have a pink tree there....I know you're dying to get one!

At Home with Zan

Sunshine and Munchkins

My Life from Home

An Alli Event

Restyle it Wright

Craftivity Designs

Blue i Style

Loveland Lodge

Making Joy and Pretty Things

a Rafflecopter giveaway