C&C Around the House: Guest Blogger

While Katie tends to her arm over the next few months, I'm Jess and I am going to be helping out on C&C! I used to write my own blog, Courcy Inspired Design, but blogs are a lot of work ( I can attest to how hard Regan and Katie work to post daily!) and I have taken a hiatus. So here I am and will probably focus on interior design since that's what I love to blog about.

For my first post let's talk about swing arm lamps. I live in Boston in a small apartment, but I am a believer in making any space your own. My bedroom is TINY, which means the only things in there are my bed, a small night table and a decorative chair.  It has a cute chandelier, but if I need another light of some kind it can't really take up extra space on the night table. That's where I got the idea for a lamp on the wall. I immediately went to Pinterest for some in inspiration.

I loved the look immediately and saw there were lots of options out there, but many being pretty pricey. I prefer not to spend a lot, particularly since I live in a rental so I embarked on a mission to find "the look for less" as they say and this is what I found:

Urban Outfitters had some really affordable options with the two lamps on the left here and here. I have spotted the Eyeball Sconce in countless home tours online ever since I found it! IKEA's more industrial version at the top right was the best deal, but probably not quite the style I was looking for. Schoolhouse Electric and Supply Company had my favorite on the bottom right, but I think it's a bit out of my price range for a temporary space.

Needless to say I was pleased to see a lot of affordable options out there, so I can see how I like this style in my current space. What are your favorite places to get the look for less in interior design?

Image sources: 1/2/3/4

Write On

Over the weekend we popped into one of our favorite Portland places, Schoolhouse Electric. It's one of our favorite weekend activities to get a coffee at Ristretto Roasters and to browse Schoolhouse and all of their amazing things. 

Well this wasn't an ordinary visit. While in the store, we were invited to take part in their "Write_On" campaign. 

What is Write_On?

Through this campaign, they are encouraging people to take time to savor the simple pleasures in life, like sitting down and putting pen to paper to write a good ol' fashioned letter. During our visit they encouraged us to join us in the letter writing fun as they mark the official kick off of Egg Press’s National Write_On Campaign, a 30-day challenge to write 30 letters in 30 days over the month of April, which also happens to be National Letter-Writing Month.

I think writing letters is a lost art, and something that I used to do with great frequency, so the Mini Fashionista (and Pete the Cat) are joining the movement! 

I can't wait to see what comes of it. Maybe we will even get some letters back. As a part of the campaign, Schoolhouse will even pay postage and mail your letters if we bring them back to the store! 

Who wants to join in? 30 letters in 30 days! You can do it. 

Regan's Birthday Wish List

Katie and I have a birthday coming up, September 22nd to be exact. My husband laughs when I tell him I have a birthday wish list, but I do. I always have a "wish list", and my birthday provides the perfect opportunity to check a few things off!

Here's what my list currently looks like.

I've been wanting a pair of short rubber rain boots, and these are just what I have been looking for. I had my eyes on the short Hunter boots, but I think I like the style of these (and the price) much better., and I really like the color.

Sperry Top-Sider Starling boot $74.95

We all know I spend a lot of time in workout pants. My friend Katie has these pants, and I need them. 

Vimmia Compression Stirrup Legging $127

As a side note, the product description lists the benefits of compression fabric as: increased blood circulation and skin elasticity, reducing cellulite and signs of skin aging, improved blood flow and oxygenation to muscles and tissues during your workout, increased recovery speed after workout or exertion, less wasted energy, less cramping, and greater running/workout efficiency, and reduced vibration that occurs as a muscle is flexed or experiences impact.

As someone who has their Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology, may I take a moment to tell you that these are just pants, and there is no scientific evidence to prove that a pair of yoga pants can actually do all those things. I could go into detail, but I won't!

And then a few things on my list that I have already shared with you in previous posts....

School House Electric Basic Tumbler

Pendleton Beach Towels

We will be in Sun Valley next week and a trip to Consign Design is inevitable. Chances are I will find a birthday present there and this list will be good as gone! 

C&C Around the House

While Katie has shared with you photos of her beautiful home, I haven't opened my house to all of our C&C readers since I shared photos of the Mini Fashionista's room nearly 3 years ago (post here). It's not that I wouldn't welcome each and every one of you into my home... it's just that it's nothing that fantastic. Truth be told, I have no design sense when it comes to home decor. I am, for the most part, happy with our home, but it certainly doesn't look like a feature in Elle Decor.

All that said, I have been working on our master bedroom for the past year or so. Slowly we have painted a wall, gotten a new rug, lamp and pillow shams and finally, just this week finished a picture wall that has been over a year in the making.

So, since I am pretty happy (and proud) of the results, especially given my lack of decorating skills, I thought I would share it with all of you. Forgive the poor light and bad picture quality...

Welcome to our bedroom.

Rug, light fixture, pillow shams and lamp from School House Electric. Bedding from Dwell Studio

All of the frames, the mirror and the gold "urchins" came from a fantastic store here in Portland called Christopher David.

I purchased a print of Italy (bottom right) from Christopher David and liked the frame so much that I was able to order the same custom sized frames for all the other art and photos I had for the wall. Their prices are extremely reasonable, they are friendly and helpful and they also have an amazing coffee shop in the store, so I can drink my latte, eat a croissant and shop all at the same time!

I am excited to be able to change out the photos (in 3 of the frames) to keep the wall "current". 

If you are curious about the pillow shams and lamp, they came from one of my all time favorite  Portland stores called School House Electric. The print on them was designed by another Portland company called Egg Press and created in collaboration with School House.

Stay tuned in the coming months for an updated tour of the Mini Fashionista's room. She is getting a "big girl" bed!