My Autumn Beauty Routine~

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://moms.dailybuzz.com/channel/style.

So, I’m venturing away from décor today to talk a bit about my autumn beauty routine. And more specifically, what I do for this skin of mine. Now that I am at the tail end of my 30’s, taking care of my skin has become more important to me than ever. You see, I have very fair skin, the daughter of a red-head, with freckles. And I was a teen in the 80’s. Do you know what that means? That means hours spent in the sun …without sunscreen. Grrrrr. Wish I had known what that would do to my skin in the future. But while I can’t go back and fix what I did then, I can take care of my skin now. And I do.

Autumn brings with it, its own set of challenges for my skin. First, the lack of humidity in the air caused by having to turn on those heaters! So one of the things I have to be very diligent about once the chill starts to hit outside is making sure that I moisturize. I wash my face both morning and evening (nothing special here, I’m a soap and water girl) and then follow up with wrinkle cream – oh yes! especially around the eyes and mouth – and lots of moisturizer. And I learned my lesson in the 80’s. Even though it’s autumn, I am never without sunscreen on my face. I usually use a moisturizer that has it built right in, but if I’m going to be outside for any length of time, I make sure and put more on. I mean, who needs any more wrinkles (or freckles for that matter)?

Keeping my skin hydrated from the inside is also one of those things I have to concentrate on in the fall. I don’t know about you, but it’s much easier for me to drink my water when it’s hot outside. Once it cools down, drinking water becomes a bit of challenge for some reason (perhaps because I like it ice cold!) So when autumn hits, I have to make sure that I get enough water to drink. It makes such a difference in my skin!

Finally, one of my favorite parts about autumn is the fact that I can go for a bit more drama in the makeup department. Generally, I like to make up my eyes, and then go for a more natural look on my cheeks and lips, but once fall hits I feel like I can use darker colors…especially on my lips. And I do love me some pretty lipstick.

What about you? Do you change your beauty routine with the seasons? I’d love to know!

Thank you to Walgreens for sponsoring this blog post. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Fashion Inspiration for the Home: If This Outfit Were a Room~

My roots are in fashion.  It's what I studied in college.  I had a hard time deciding between Fashion and Interior Design, and even though Fashion won out in college, Interior Design won out in the end.  That said, the basic inspiration for each is really very similar...so today I thought I'd have a little fun. 

I was looking through the Ruche Summer Look  Book (aaaaaah, bliss) and thought it might be fun to see if I could use a couple of their outfits as inpiration to create some pretty rooms.  This was a fun exercise.  Check it out.

First up, this peppy little number.  Sunny and casual, I love the poppy-colored stripes and the tiny touch of yellow in the bangle on her wrist.

Here's what I came up with:

Sources:
Bedding - Dwell Home
Rug, Headboard and Bedside Table - West Elm
Pillows - Etsy
Table Lamp - PBTeen
Pendants - Frederic Vasseur
Campaign Desk - World Market

I definitely played up the yellow here...but I love the poppy/yellow combo!  This room would be so much fun to lounge in!

Next up, this chic little short-all with hot pink sandles (not to mention the pretty aqua-colored cruiser).

And my interpretation:

Sources:
Sofa, Chairs and Ottoman - Serena and Lily
Rug - PBTeen
Lamps - ebay
Pillows - Etsy
Artwork - My Own
Table via Olioboard

Now this is a room that really feels like "me".  Lovin' all the gray with the touches of pink and aqua.  So pretty and restful.

So tell me, my dear reader, does your closet inspire your decor (or vice versa)?

Easy Up-do~

It's been hot here. I mean hot. So I've been trying to find fun new ways to get my hair off my neck.

Here's a super easy (and pretty) style that I found.

It's so easy to create.  Simply divide the hair into three sections at the nape of the neck, then twist each section until it wraps back on itself and pin in place leaving ends loose.

That's it!  If you've got long hair, this could just be your new go-to summer style...I know it's mine!

Frugal Friday goes live tomorrow at 8:00 pm MST as usual.  And we'll be moving this weekend...so look forward to many decorating posts to come!

xoxo
Wendy

A Post About Creating Waves in Hair... and Some Other Miscellaneous Stuff~

Ever since I decided to grow out my hair, I have been on the lookout for the perfect way to create pretty soft curls or waves. And that's not as easy as it sounds.

You see, I have a lot of hair, but it is VERY fine. It has a hard time holding curls. I thought I'd found the perfect way to create beachy waves. I even posted about it here. But I was never completely sold on the way it looked.

Then I discovered this easy method. Like so seriously easy that I felt silly for not figuring it out sooner. And the bonus is that this method works on pretty much any kind of hair. Even thick, somewhat curly hair like the Princess has. Here's all there is to it...

1. Wash your hair, then let it dry almost completely....leaving just a bit of dampness. Alternately, you can spray down your dry hair with a bit of water.

2. Part hair down the middle. And starting with one side, twist the hair around on itself. It will naturally twist into a bun. Once you've created a bun, secure with a rubber band or a few bobby pins (or both.) Repeat on other side, making sure that the buns fall just above the ears. (The Princess graciously offered to model for me...note that there are a few hairs that aren't secured in the bun. That's okay...we're going for loose curls and waves...not perfection.)

3. Once you've secured the buns, blow dry the hair for a couple of minutes on hot to set the curls. Then you can do one of two things...after letting your hair cool for about 20 minutes, you can remove the buns, and you'll have soft waves. Or you can do as I do and sleep with the buns in your hair (it's not uncomfortable, I promise.) Then in the morning, remove the buns and run your fingers through your hair to separate the strands. Add a little spray at the roots for volume and you're done!

It's seriously that easy...and the curl lasts ALL DAY!!!

Now for the miscellaneous part of the post....

Okay, so you may have noticed that the old blog seems to be overrun with giveaways lately. I have been a bit worried about that. It just so happens that I have had a lot of sponsors and product reviews pop up at the same time. And I love to host giveaways for my sponsors. And I enjoy doing product reviews. So I've been more than happy to have all these giveaways. Just worried that my readers might think that's the only thing I'm focusing on. So I want you to know, my lovely readers...that my blog is not turning into one of those crazy host-a-giveaway-daily type blogs. My main focus is still DIY and decor, with a little bit of entertaining and style thrown in for good measure. I have a lot of projects in the works to share with you along those lines...but I'm still getting back into the groove after taking last week off for spring break. So please bear with me.

You guys are the best!! Mwah!!!

Frugal Friday goes live tonight at 8:00 pm with a double-size edition of my Frugal Round-up!

Have a great day~

DownEast Basics: A Great Day for a Giveaway~

Hello my dear readers!! I am soooo excited for today's giveaway I can hardly stand it!! One of my very favorite clothing companies is DownEast Basics. I freely admit that most of what I wear is purchased there. Because not only are there clothes ADORABLE...they are AFFORDABLE as well. So when DownEast contacted me and asked if I would review one of their pieces and do a giveaway, I was thrilled. Here I am wearing the Pageant Top. I love this top because of it's assymetrical design and the fun ruffle detail! Not to mention the fact that the icy blue color made my eyes "pop"! (note to self: wear blue more often!) Here's just a small sample of the other great pieces that DownEast Basics is offering right now...

One of my very favorites...the Frosted Flowers cardi.

I love the blossom detail on the Rosy Cheeks skirt. Whimsical but elegant at the same time!

Love this vintage lace skirt...so romantic and fun!

Another favorite... the Round and Round tank. It would be fabulous with a pair of jeans and some flirty heels this summer!

Perfect for spring, this Flowerful top just makes me smile.

Here's the fun part...DownEast Basics has offered to give one reader of the Shabby Nest their choice of items from DownEast's New Arrivals! To enter just visit the New Arrivals section of their site, then come back and tell me which piece is your favorite!

For extra entries, follow DownEast Basics on Twitter, or Like them on Facebook. For extra entries to qualify, you must leave one additional comment for each. Drawing is open until Friday, April 1 at 11:59 MST. Drawing open to US residents only.

Good luck!!

Shabby Apple~

Have you heard of Shabby Apple? If not, you can thank me later.

Shabby Apple is an awesome online dress shop. They like to say that their shop is a "return to what dresses were always meant to be—a one piece outfit. No need to add anything…no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing."

And you know what? They're right. Shabby Apple sent me a dress for me to try, and I can't tell you how fabulous it was to slip that baby on, and be done!! I didn't have to fuss with anything but my accessories. What a relief!

I got the Frida K. I loved the fact that it was so comfortable. It had just enough stretch to make it move with me. It was sassy and a little retro with a fun red zipper in the back for that little bit of the unexpected. I love it!

The Shabby Apple has a great and varied selection of women's dresses. And you know what? They offer dresses for every body type - and even for little girls and preteens. They also offer style advice where you can ask them a question..and they'll answer it. It's a great site.

And you're in luck today, my dear readers, because Shabby Apple is offering readers of the Shabby Nest a 10% discount! Just use the code shabbynest10off at checkout!

So what are you waiting for? Easter is just around the corner....go get yourself an Easter dress.

Have a great day~

Where I Blog: Home Office Plans~

My home office has been in a sad state of neglect since we moved into this home 8 months ago. Since I spend a good portion of my day in the room, working and creating my blog.... I've finally had enough! So I've put my design thinking cap on, and I've come up with a plan. And I wanted to join in the Where I Blog party over at Centsational Girl, so I hope you all will be interested in my plans for this room.

First I wanted to show you my inspiration room.

This is actually a craft room designed by Lulu Pom Interiors. I've had this room in my memory ever since I saw it in Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine (may it rest in peace) two years ago. So I decided that I was going to use it as a jumping off point for my home office design.

But first, let me tell you about my constraints. We rent this house. That means that the paint color and carpet remain. Next, my office is in the lower level of our house, and has no windows...that makes it a little dark...something I need to find a solution for. Last, I have little to no budget. That means that I have to be extra creative as I attempt to make the space a happy place to work.

That said, I had to come up with a work surface. Well, two actually, since we have two computers.

I will be using this desk, which is the companion piece to my rehabbed console. It has gorgeous lines and lots of storage, but a HORRIBLE finish.

Next, I'll be using the little table that we used in our last house, pictured here in my built in desk cubby (This is where I used to blog...oh, how I miss my pretty little built in) with a fabric skirting.

In keeping with the finishes in my inspiration room, I am going to paint both pieces white. I am also planning on skirting the small table with a linen skirt to hide ugly hard drives etc. from view. And I might possibly skirt the larger desk for the same reason...if I can do it without making it look silly...that remains to be seen.

For seating, I'm actually planning on going modern.

What I'd really love are 2 of these lucite chairs from IKEA. But they are $99 each, and I have no budget, remember? So I'm going to have to find something else.

But I *am* going to pick up a few of these cute IKEA stools for the kiddos. $5.99 each is a steal! I really like the pink (maybe I'll get one in pink for the Princess...and maybe even one for me) but I think the boys would prefer the black.

And finally, to add some light, I'd really love a chandelier. I like this one from IKEA...although it would have to be converted to a plug-in. It's a great price at $39.99, but maybe I can find a great vintage chandy for less. That remains to be seen.

I'll keep you posted on my progress as I go. Right now, both the desk and the table have coats of white primer. Hopefully, they'll have their final coats of paint by tomorrow! Keep your fingers crossed.

And one last reminder...you have until midnight tonight to enter the Silhouette giveaway. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Have a great Monday~

Looking at my Home Through a Different Set of Eyes~

Have you ever wondered what it is that other people "see" when they visit your home? What are the things that they notice? We, especially those of us who write and frequent home decor blogs, take such pains to decorate our homes. We spend hours (if not days or months) agonizing over the smallest details. Does all of our careful planning and preening get noticed or ignored?

Well, I had the chance to find out a few weeks back, when my sister posted some photos of my house on her blog. The things that she thought were pretty. The things that intrigued her.

So I did what any other home-decor-obsessed-blogging-sister would do, I lifted borrowed some of the photos she took right off her blog, and posted them here for you to see.

A detail from my main bath...a corner medallion I found at the Brimfield Antique Fair and an apothecary jar filled to the brim with pretty soaps.

And I have actually been meaning to blog this for a while, so I'm glad she did. I repurposed this pretty key holder which I received from my dear friend Kasey, into a necklace holder in my master bath....it's useful art now! (Oh, and in the background....my well-read wreath holds court above la toilette.

I just love this photo....these are the hubby's shoes, complete with wooden shoe trees, lined up on the floor in front of our closet.



My stash of catalogs on the side of my linen cupboard.




A still life from my mantel.



Another still life from the buffet in my kitchen.



Of course, if you'd like to see the entire post, you could always visit her here.

Thanks for the peek at my own home, Holls....you're a peach!

And just a reminder that Frugal Friday goes up at 10:00 EST tonight...that's 2 hours earlier than normal! See you there!

Design ADD~

I've finally put a name to my condition.

Design ADD.

And what exactly is Design ADD, you might ask? Well let me tell you a little bit about it...because if you are reading my blog, you may just suffer from it as well.

Ask yourself the following questions...


1. Do you enjoy a cottage style room as much as a contemporary space?

Image from Veranda

2. Do you enjoy reading Country Living and House Beautiful or Elle Decor equally well?

3. Do you love the thrill of the hunt regardless of whether you're thrifting, junking, shopping online or going to a design showroom?

4. One day do you want an all white room while the next day finds you in love with color, color and more color?

5. Could you redesign your spaces often?

Image from Alice Lane

6. Are you constantly tweaking your rooms?

Image via Sproost

If you've answered yes to 1 or more of these questions, you too may suffer from Design ADD.

My style is constantly evolving. A fact that is true for most people, I'm sure. But as I have perused my favorite decor magazines, books and blogs lately, I've found that I really love some very disparate styles. My house tends more toward a cottage look, although I've lately been incorporating some more contemporary elements. I like to call it Urban Farmhouse, but maybe Contemporary Cottage might be a better fit.

All I know is, I love Interior Design. It fascinates me. And if I have to live with Design ADD as a result, then I guess I will.

How about you? Do you have Design ADD?

Frugal Friday goes up tonight at Midnight. Can't wait to see what y'all have up your sleeve this week!

Image from Elle Decor

Have a great day~

Does Your House Talk to You?~

Does your house talk to you? Mine does. Okay, before you go thinking that I might need a little therapy, I'm not hearing voices. But when I walk into a house, it has a way of telling me how it should be decorated. If you love decorating as much as I do, you know what I'm talking about. Houses just have a certain feeling to them. And my new nest is no exception.

Now, before I share with you all the "language" that my new home is speaking, let me define my own personal style for you. After taking a quiz over at Sproost, I decided to call my style Rustic French Beach Cottage, although I have a decidedly urban flare especially in my artwork choices. You all get the picture. I am drawn to pale tonal palettes. Textures such as beadboard and burlap. Old, timeworn pieces. These are the things that make my heart go pit-a-pat.

I adore this image from Country Living via Sproost...It has the tonal palette and textural feeling I love!

My new nest speaks Italian....it has a definite Tuscan flare to it. The colors are warm, and definitely richer than my favored pale palette. And since (as I have mentioned before) it is a rental (and a beautifully renovated one at that), I can't change these things. And I think that is good. It will force me to explore a different side of my style. I will have the chance to use my existing pieces in a new way.

This is what my kitchen table looks like at the moment...I actually love this photo...it looks like a still life painting to me. Notice how the Venetian plaster on the wall speaks to the burlap on my table runner. The dark jug adds just the right contrast to my white table, white wire tray and white (yes they're fake) flowers. Same stuff...new way of combining things...and although I doubt this will be the final design for this spot...I like it...and it gets my creative juices flowing...


Okay, so now I'm going to tell you all something that may shock you. A house-hunting trip was not in our budget, so we rented this house without seeing it in person. Yes, little old type-A me, signed a contract after only seeing photos (and having the hubby's sister who lives in the area visit the house and give it the thumbs up.) Why do I tell you all this? Because see that faucet above? The one that looks like an old water pump, but with an urban twist? That faucet alone pretty much sold me on the house. It's true.

And here is a detail of the backsplash tiles in the kitchen. You can really get a feeling of the warm palette by looking at these. They are lovely...and slightly luminescent...which looks fabulous when the under-cabinet lighting is turned on. A far cry from the cottage-white kitchen in my last house...but oh, the possibilities!

This detail from the Princess' bedroom is the one nod to cottage style in this house. My beloved beadboard. The lime green is not necessarily a color I would have chosen myself, but it is bright and cheery...and will look very sophisticated once my decorating plans start to take shape.

So stay tuned, dear readers! I can't wait to take you all on this little journey as we watch my style evolve into something new and exciting!

Have a great day~

xoxo Wendy