1 Sunday Reading | Books to Read

This week I have some real books to talk about for our Sunday Reading segment. Firstly, Chronicle Books sent over a pair of gems, Hello NY, An Illustrated Love Letter to the 5 Boroughs by Julia Rothman and Meanwhile in San Francisco by Wendy MacNaughton.  When I first opened Hello NY, it was just to briefly page through, but I found myself not wanting to put it down, and actually had to stop myself so I could get back to work.  The book is like running into a stranger at a cafe where they start telling you about their city (you know, secret bars, and places one would only know about if they lived there); Julia writes about her city with such ease detailing her beloved city in a humorous and entertaining way accompanied by her signature illustrations.  Meanwhile...   Meanwhile in San Francisco by Wendy MacNaughton is like taking a walk through San Francisco and talking to various people you pass by. From the bus drivers on the MUNI to the Mission hipsters, Wendy captures a unique point of view from various collaborators she met living and working in San Francisco. As a bonus the book jacket opens up into a beautiful illustrated poster.

And lastly, Eat Pretty, Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out by Jolene Hart also from Chronicle Books is a timely book (for me) and probably many who have decided to drop the sugar and dairy, and all things bad for you over the new year.  I'm still hanging in there, and feel so much better for it, so this book only affirms my decision with it's tips on eating well to not only benefit your health but looks as well.  Like, did you know celery helped your skin's hydration? Or that raspberries gave you lustrous hair?  Lots of wholesome recipes and advice in this read that offers four seasons to eat pretty.

What are you reading these days? Any recommendations? Happy Sunday!

~Jan
twitter  // facebook  // pinterest  // instagram  // google+ // bloglovin

1 Instagram Lately

A few snapshots from our instagram lately. 

2 Yay! 9 Pretty Party Decor DIYs!

It's friday and almost time for a party! This week's weekend projects post covers nine bright and colorful party decor ideas if I've ever seen one. Bright pops of pink, orange and yellow, mixed with pastels, makes for fun times! Check them out!

1. DIY Letter-Shaped Boxes
Make your own letters out of cardboard with this clever and super-easy how-to from Studio DIY.

2. Sidewalk Chalk Popsicles
What's a party without sidewalk chalk popsicles? I mean really!  From Hello, Wonderful.

3. Mini DIY Cupcake Stand (and Soap Cupcakes)
If the stand isn't adorable all on it's own, but just to add the wow factor, these soap cupcakes! From Henry Happened.

4. Make a Balloon Chandelier
A simple and budget friendly idea (especially loving the marble balloons). From Julep.

5. Double Tetrahedron Origami
These origami wonders would make a beautiful photobooth backdrop yes? Get the how-to from instructables.com here.

6. Honeycomb Garland
Use honeycomb decorations to create this pretty colorful garland. From Oh Happy Day.

7. Ombre Watercolor Horse Cake
Amazing iced cake idea for a birthday. Via Hostess with the Mostess.

8. Baked Vanilla Bean Donuts
Nothing says party than a multi-coloured-sprinkled donuts! Recipe at Cooking Classy.

9. Spell it Out!
A simple yet stunning idea from zuckerzimtundliebe.

Happy Friday!

2 A Tranquil Space

I ran into this beautiful bedroom on my instagram feed this past week from Urbanwalls' Danielle and Paul Hardy's home.  Designed by Stephanie Jean Design, the bedroom has a serene palette of white, beige and soft blues and pops of lilac. Looks like a pretty tranquil space.

Also after this bedroom tour, I've included a few pics of some of Urbanwalls' vinyl wall decor decals which they make here in the lower mainland (they're pretty sweet I might add)! Get all the links and sources at the end of the post.  Photography by Mary Konkin.

Sources:
Bonjour Amour print - Sarah and Bendrix
Floral Bed pillows - Motif Pillows
Pillow Shams and Quilt - West Elm
Ikat painting - Lulu and Drew
Seafoam throw quilt - Chapters/Indigo
Mirrored side tables - overstock.com
Side table lamps - overstock.com


And a few pics from Urbanwall's shop of a few decals I'm loving right now also. Their selection is amazing, it's hard just to pick a few.

Gold Polka Dots

Pinetree Decals

Anchor Decals

To see more of Urbanwalls' online at:
Site + Shop:  uwdecals.com
Etsy Shop: etsy.com/shop/urbanwalls
Blog: blog.uwdecals.com
Facebook: facebook.com/urbanwalls
Twitter: @hardydanielle
Instagram: @urbanwalls

1 10 IKEA Hacks to Bookmark!

You know when you buy a volkswagen and all you see are volkswagens? Well, that's how I'm feeling lately with IKEA hacks, I keep running into them. And I have to say, people are getting rather pro too! Check out some latest finds, all worth bookmarking for inspiration!

1.  IKEA Antique Barn Light
Using an ÅRSTID wall lamp and FÄRGRIK ceramic plate make this budget-friendly antique looking barn light. Get the how-to here.

2. DIY IKEA Hack Stikwod Headboard
An IKEA Malm headboard gets a makeover using Stikwood (reclaimed wood that’s already finished and with adhesive backing on it). From Sugar and Cloth.

3.  IKEA Hack Office Desk
Spray painting the legs of a VIKA AMON desk makes for a nice update. From White + Gold.

4.  Upyarn Your Lamp
A Varte lamp is decorated with a bit of yarn to give it a more handmade custom look. From Ikea Hackers.

5. The BEKVAM Kitchen Cart
The Bekvam kitchen cart gets an amazing makeover by Oliver and Rust.

6. Update a Table
The JOKKMOKK table gets a mid-century-style update with a few adjustments and new hairpin legs. From Actue Designs.

7. Chair Rail Billy's
By adding a chair rail and crown molding, BILLY bookcases look custom made. Get the details at House Pretty Blog.

8. Piet Hein Eek headboard
A BRiMNES bed gets the wallpaper treatment, Piet Hein Eek style. From Currystrumpet.

9.  Greek Key Goldend Vittsjo
Shelves are spray painted gold, and embellished with Metrik door handles in each corner. More info at IKEA Hackers.

10.  Let There Be Light
A FRACK mirror gets connected in this project from Yellow Brick Home.