Monday, May 28, 2012

Weekend Fun Finds!

I was out and about last weekend and these past couple of days entertaining some out of town guests, and it's been the perfect time to browse around some of my favorite shops for a few little items with extra color & flair to add to my Summer style and happy home! 
Trio of statement necklaces!  Easy way to perk up a basic summer white tee. Black & white flowers - Forever 21, colorful gem stones - H&M, gold and sparkles spike - Forever 21)
Perfectly comfortable navy striped espadrille flats... $9 @ Forever 21
Succulent wall / window decals (Ikea)
New pair of shades... Love the vintage, cat-eye shape (H&M)
Happy Memorial Day!
All pictures above and more on Instagram... Nancy @majorbaggage

Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Weekend Manicure

Another new favorite polish color is the same family as my other posted shades of an orangie-red tone... This one is Essie's Boathouse.  Perfect accompaniment for a weekend by the water, navy stripes & a few bubbly beverages! 
Love to have a bit of fun and mix colors!  Boathouse is on the thumb and pointer's with pretty pink & peach hues surrounding (Courtesy of Miss Renaissance)
Have a wonderful weekend!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Front Yard to Table

It's Mulberry Tree harvest time!  Out of nowhere several years ago a tree started growing in the most perfect spot in our front yard.  I had no idea what it was for several years, but it provided much needed shade so we continued to nurture it.  Then about 3 -4 years ago it started sprouting bunches and bunches of sweet berries - Our neighbors said there are many Mulberry trees in the area, but none that they had seen are producing fruit like ours.  We have been savoring and sharing for years now...Yes, the berries make a huge mess in the yard, on the cars and in the street and the wildlife that clamors into that tree for a taste is insane.  We even catch folks just out for a walk pulling down a branch to grab a handful (is that stealing??).  It really does feel rewarding to make something delicious that is growing right outside your window...

For this crop - Mulberry Almond Muffins with a Sweet Orange Glaze.

Friday, May 11, 2012

DIY Serving Tray

This has got to be one of my favorite projects to date!  So easy and inexpensive to create and the "WOW factor" is there 100%.  Create your own custom serving tray with just a few materials...

  • Norrlida picture frame from Ikea (buy online here or in store) - only $9.99!
  • Craft paper / wrapping paper / picture collage
  • E-6000 glue 
  • sandpaper
  • 2 drawer pulls
The first one I made was used to deliver a very special Birthday gift... And she got to keep the tray as well - SCORE!
Perfectly chic desk organizer...
 Here's the basic How-To:

Pick your paper... Undeniably, this was the hardest part for me.  I went to Paper Source and got a little crazy. 
Take out the formed cardboard backing in the frame and cut your paper to match.
Add the paper to the frame - design side up so it shows through the glass (obvi!) and seal up the frame.  I chose this style frame because the wood around it edges up - just like a serving tray would.  A frame where the glass and border are on the same level might not work as well.
Finally, For the handles I used some basic kitchen drawer pulls, lightly sandpapered the areas on the frame I want to add the glue (strong glue required!) and pressed the handles on leaving it to dry overnight.
Mother's Day, people... She'll love it!!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Cinco De Mayo

I say every Spring day is the time to enjoy a margarita (or 2), but today does seem very fitting for the occasion!  Enjoy the day ~ Salud!


Friday, May 4, 2012

Major Mani

I'm finding lots of hot pink colors I like this Spring for my nails... Especially because it works so well with my other favorite color... A subtle hint of yellow neon.  Add in a touch of grey and you are good to go!

This is OPI's "Your a Pisa Work"
I'm thinking pop of pink on those fingers, people! (J Crew)