Peak Into my Bedroom

As I’ve slowly turned this bare-wall apartment into my unique space, I’ve taken some pretty pictures to document my success. I want to share with you a few things that are sitting around my room right now. Normally, I’d share with you my entire space but, contrary to what other life and style bloggers would like you to think, my room and my life are quite messy at times. As much as I adore pretty things like peonies, Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, and macarons, I can promise you that my life isn’t always a “pretty thing.” This is just a little look I can offer you into my life!

Spring Pinterest Inspiration

Happy Monday loves. I hope wherever you are the weather is starting to feel spring-like. I adore this season when it begins to warm up and the buds on the trees begin to show. Hearing the frogs out in the woods making noises and the birds chirping reminds me that the earth is ready to come back to life after having been asleep for so many months.

Part of me becomes so inspired this time of the year while the other part just wants the allergies to subside. There’s nothing I’d love more than to sit outside in a flowing sundress with the sun in my hair, tanning my skin while I sip a smoothie and enjoy the latest issue of Vogue. Spring brings me out of hibernation. I’m sure many of you know how I feel!

I was browsing through Pinterest and came across these images that just highlighted how lovely this time of the year is. Check my pin feed to see what else I’ve been pinning! I’m loving lots of flowers right now. Design hint: A simple vase with brightly colored flowers adds warmth to your home!

Vibrant colors wake me up on Monday’s (and coffee) so my sincerest hope is that these pictures had the same effect on you. Go to my pin feed linked above and scroll down to see the original pins and where they came from. Enjoy.

Taking Photos for Instagram or a Blog? Here are 8 Things You Need

Do you want to know one major thing I’ve noticed amongst all big-time bloggers, Instagrammers, and Etsy-ers? They all know how to take great photos and use props to enhance them. If I had a dollar for every time I saw a photo on Instagram using something sparkly or something with texture I’d be driving a convertible.

Seriously though, what makes some of their photos so great? It’s how they set them up. Here are 8 props you can add to your blog/Instagram pictures right now!

Props for Pictures

The number one thing people seem to be using is sequins or glitter! As annoying as those little things can be at times (they stick to everything), they really make a photo look pretty! Sprinkle them around the key items in your photo for an added pop of cuteness.

Another thing I’m seeing is colorful paper straws. This was especially popular over the summer. Etsy store owners are laying them beside their prints and artwork as a way to enhance the colors in the art.

To illustrate the business of their day, bloggers are using stationery and notebooks. You’ll see these items on their desks laid out as if they were mistakenly left there.

Flowers, particularly Peonies, are being included in photos as a natural way to enhance and add color to an otherwise neutral palette.

Candles have been making appearances in many Instagrammers “lounging around” type photos. You know the pictures I mean- where the picture includes the bottom half of her pj pants, socks, coffee, laptop, twinkly lights, and a lit candle.

Expensive make up is also being haphazardly laid on a desk or vanity. If the item the blogger wants to highlight is pink, then she’ll use pink lipstick. If it’s gold, she might use red lipstick.

Finally, macarons are here to stay and for good reason- they photograph nicely. With this pastry, there isn’t much to capture other than the edges of these delicate treats. They sit in a picture to fill up space but they look awfully darling doing it!

Lately, I’ve also been using coffee mugs, jewelry trays, and jewelry in my pictures for Instagram. It seems to work depending on the quality of the image. A key element is having natural light. No fluorescent lighting! Ever. It adds a yellow glow to the image instead of a nice white one. A white background is also best.

Creating the Perfect Bedside Table

Bedside Table by oceangirl15 featuring Kate Spade

Hello loves! I was cleaning my room earlier and thought to myself “what makes the perfect bedside table?” After a few minutes of Pinterest and Google I think I figured it out. I have put together a handy visual for you of the optimum bedside table but I’m also discussing cheaper ways to achieve this look!

First, get yourself a good lamp! The one above is pretty but comes at a heavy price. However, I have found similar lamps of good quality at places like Ross or TJMaxx. What matters the most is the bulb that you use and the lamp shade that comes with it. You want a dim glow, not office lighting.

Second, you need a good fragrance to settle down with. Candles are my best friend. Ok, not really but they are absolutely my go-to decoration and mood relaxer. The one pictured here is by Diptyque. It is very attractive but the price tag is not. I opt for a small votive candle like this one (preferably in a cream or white color to get the Diptyque look) that can be placed in a small frosted votive holder. You’ll get the same look but for a lot less.

Third, body lotion or hand cream is a great little thing to keep handy. We keep it in our bags, cars, lockers, whatever it may be, we all have it. As much as I love Philosophy products, I can’t afford to spend $20 on them. However, $10 or less is a little more doable. I found a company (Nubian Heritage) who sells lotion made from natural elements and ancient healing remedies. And like the Vanilla Coconut lotion pictured above- Nubian has a Coconut Papaya with vanilla extract lotion! Your welcome.

Fourth, bedside reads and a notebook are great for those nights you can’t sleep (plus they look pretty!) Vogue is self explanatory; lovely pictures makes me feel happy! A book about Chanel or whoever your style inspiration is can also be a nice thing to flip through. But a notebook like the Kate Spade one above is a must to write down those amazing ideas you come up with at 2am. I found a similar one for a lot less at good ol’ Target.

Fifth, a ring/jewelry holder is a nice accessory to add when you don’t want your kitty cat knocking earrings off the table in the middle of the night. Plus, they look classy! Pictured above is a Kate Spade design (I can’t get enough of her) but it’s also about $40. Here’s a cute and classy one from Lenox that retails for much less!

Sixth, a framed photograph of a memory adds a personal touch to your space. I usually find great frames at Michael’s but even they can be pricey. Burnes of Boston makes a really elegant one for only $13! Hint: black and white photos look best!

Finally, flowers add life to any room and the promise of a new day. I love buying fresh flowers but that can be costly given that they die after a week in the vase. Fake ones are great if they look real (and you don’t let them get dusty). You have two options here: 1. Shop Etsy to find a really great piece and not spend a fortune and 2. Make your own floral arrangement by copying one you see online. Check Michael’s craft store for the best variety!

Did I leave anything out? What’s on your bedside table? Comment below and share with friends! Thanks for reading!

Saturday Afternoons in the Country

Trip to the Amish Farm

I love the beautiful country side of my hometown. We have a large Amish community in my town that stems from the even bigger one in Lancaster, PA. Many of them speak German or Dutch along with English. They’re very nice people but keep to themselves. Anyway, they bake the most amazing breads and pies! However, this particular day we went to buy flowers from them. They had a wonderful selection of colors and types including hydrangeas (my favorite). Enjoy the photos!

~Liz