30 November 2011

BIG BARGAIN, HIGH STYLE.

Does anyone else ever wonder how Kmart is still in biz? I'd probably never go there, except that it's incredibly more convenient than hauling my way to Walmart and fighting traffic near Target. Lucky for me, I needed to pay a visit yesterday. And look what I just happened upon in the lighting aisle:


A faux ostrich lampshade for (gasp) $15...lined with gold paper and everything.
You must know by now that I'm a sucker for anything python/lizard/ostrich print (just wait til you see my new brand identity). And...I favor masculinity over anything pretty. AND...it was $15. So in my basket it went...and on my coveted marble lamp it now sits. The perfect pair, I'd say.

Thank you Kmart. I may just buy all you have in stock.

P.S. I looked for it online, and it seems as though it's sold in-store only.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA.

Tis the season--for emptying your bank account. I adore the holiday season, and all of it's festivities, and spending what seems like extra-quality, enjoyable time with family and dear friends...but the pressure to buy all your loved-ones gifts often means I find myself stressing over the funds in our bank account. So, if you're on a rather right budget like moi, check out this amazing gift idea via my best friend Kendall. Not only is it super thrifty, but it's super cute--and super handy--meaning you'll actually use it. I don't know about you, but more often than not all those stocking stuffers and gag gifts I get end up at Goodwill, because, well...I can't stand clutter and I simply don't have room to harbor them. That, too, musters up a lot of guilt. So, here you go: a guilt-free, stress-free, money-saving gift that's entirely ahh-mazing and smells good, too :)

HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT LAUNDRY SOAP


THE RECIPE: (thank you, Kendall, for sharing!)
 and yes, it's safe for HE washers!

3 T naptha bar soap, grated (like Dr. Bronner's peppermint castille soap)
4 T washing soda 
4 T borax
5 C cold water
3/4 C hot water
30-40 drops essential oils (peppermint is good for the holidays)

Melt the grated soap with the 3/4 C water in a pot on the stove. Stir frequently. When melted, remove from heat. When mixture has cooled a bit, add the cold water, washing soda, borax, and essential oils. Then, divvy out among mason jars (or, if making it for yourself, store it in an old laundry dispenser container). Shake it up, and voila!

And, a little tip: throwing it in the blender will help emulsify everything!

Use 1/4 C of your concoction to wash a full load.

So, if you're going to be super cute like Kendall, you'd print out the recipe on a little tag and tie it around the mason jar. 

And cover the jar with some festive fabric, of course:

--If you're lucky enough to live near an ikea, this fabric would be perfect.
--This green gingham and this red gingham would be super festive and far from cheesy
--And how about this non-traditional, Amy Butler fabric? It may not be very holiday-ish, but I'm loving how it would look with some thick red yarn tied around the jar.

Have a happy start to your December holidays!
Hope this inspires you to enjoy your gift giving.




23 November 2011

EVER SO THANKFUL.

And so the packing begins.

We're hitting the road today...venturing home to our Kentucky.
So looking forward to a Thanksgiving spent with our ever-missed family and friends, and,
with this long-awaited holiday weekend comes a million reasons to be thankful this season:

My Maple.


 Our (rapidly) growing family -- all of our nieces, and our soon-to-be two nephews.

Our travels.

That pup of ours!

 My talents, passions, hopes...and my dreams.

This incredible coastal city we're so lucky to call home.


Our house.

And, of course, all those amazing friends we're so lucky to have...
and their insanely cute kiddos.

So...happy travels today, y'all.
Be safe. Be happy. And enjoy all that yummy food.






21 November 2011

PLEASE EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE.



A house is more than just a shelter from 
the storm. How we shape our homes, 
and how we behave within them, speak 
volumes about our history, our values 
and our way of life. 
- New York Times 


What are you passionate about?


 

18 November 2011

BIG CHANGE.

Hi all! Yesss, it's been a while. And yesss, I've been really bad at this lately. But--there's good reason: big changes are coming this way! I guess you could say Maple and Shade is growing up a bit...taking on a new persona...and a new focus. Some exciting things have been in the works, and I think it's time to bring those to light. Anyhow, it's not transition time just yet...but soon. In the meantime, here's a bit of eye candy...and what I've been digging as-of-late (because you know I am always on the hunt for swoon-worthy inspiration) :

 Miu Miu and glitter galore (suddenly I want to get all glam and girly
from Sea of Shoes (an absolute fav of mine).

 Gryphon gone good, with their NYC flash dress.

 Sweet old cars and....

 LA days, via Sea of Shoes (again).

 Work and gym...combined. Love me some solid black, even on a guy. 
Makes me want to live in NYC...much less hit the gym a bit more often.
[ via the one and only sartorialist ]

 Kate and Andy Spade's red lacquered walls and simple, imperfectly perfect bar have 
me vying for shiny, bright walls and chrome-framed art. 
(And to think, they started their biz with zero money and tons of hope).


 A simple display of shoes...rustic hardwoods...and clean, white millwork walls.
[ the brilliant, from me to you ]

 This geometric dress has me craving shard lines and this sultry color combo.
[ from me to you, again ]

 
 Markham Roberts (via an ancient domino) did it right in this laid-back, super cozy, sun-filled space (in Manhattan, I'm sure). Those haint blue-walls and that marshy artwork somehow reference Charleston...making me super happy I live where I do.

See you soon, my friends.
You may not recognize us at first, but we'll still be what we've always been:
a documentation of sight-worthy finds, with a little taste-making of our own involved...
do you catch my drift?

:)