Best of Etsy: Shop Nancy Nikko Design

August 8, 2016

I recently came across an amazing paper goods shop on Etsy and was smitten with everything they make. Nancy Nikko Design specializes in personalized stationery, labels and bookplates, all with beautifully illustrated images, graphics and typography. I am especially drawn to the chinoiserie designs and home decor illustrations and love her collection of business cards.

There are over 800 items in Nancy’s shop, perfect for your personal stationery suite or for gift giving. You’ll also find a collection of party decor, kids stationery and art prints and most of the custom wine labels, personalized stationery and invitations can accommodate color changes, and additional text upon request.

FYI– Nancy will have her Christmas and holiday designs available in late September.

Picking my favorites items was a hard task but I did manage to round-up a few of them for you below. To view the entire Nancy Nikko Design shop, head here.

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Nancy Nikko Design

Chinoiserie Memory Card Game (I think these would also look great as a framed collection)

Shop Bookplates (the perfect gift for anyone that still loves coffee table books)

Shop Stationery (personalized stationery is such a thoughtful gift)

Shop Business Cards (every savvy business owner needs a card that makes a statement)

Shop Thank You Cards (you can never have too many of these, especially if they are cute)

Shop Place Cards (a fun way to personalize your party table)

Shop Custom Wine Bottle Labels (such a great design touch for a special event, holiday or gift)

Limoncello Label Tags (you’re going to have a hard time picking a favorite from these designs)

Shop Art Prints (great prices on chinoiserie inspired designs)

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Nancy Nikko Design is one of the most beautiful hand-crafted paper goods line I’ve come across in a long time.

Enjoy shopping and let me know which items are your favorite.

all images via Nancy Nikko Design

Back-To-School Shopping–The Adult Version

August 2, 2016

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This past weekend was a big back-to-school shopping weekend here in Atlanta. It was a tax-free weekend and most school are starting back this week or next so shopping had to get done.

Even though I knew the stores were going to be crowded, I ventured out for a few hours to see if there were any deals to be had. And boy or boy were there.

I never really took note of it before but shopping during the back-to-school season has its benefits. Most of the big box stores like HomeGoods, Target and Macy’s had beefed up their inventory levels and had some great decorative pieces to decorate dorm rooms. Not only were the prices good, but many of items could work just as easily for home decor.

p.s. if you haven’t noticed, dorm decor has really become style statement these days. Far from the posters I hung on the wall.

So I know you’re asking yourself what does this mean for all of us that aren’t going off to school.

It means back-to-school season is a great time to shop for home decor items.

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Here’s a list of home decor products that are worth shopping for NOW during back-t0-school season and some great pieces you might want to snag:

Bed Linens–there are lots of fun patterns including plaids, stripes and geometrics out for back-to-school.
Organizing Items–I spotted lots of amazing baskets and cloth storage bins as well and space-saving door and under-bed storage pieces.
Office Decor–caddies, trays, boxes and bins plus lots of cute bulletin boards and wall units.
Lighting–especially tabletop and desk lamps many of which are priced better than those styles marketed for home decor.
Accent Furniture–if you’re in the market for a small side table, ottoman, pouf or stools, you’ll find lots to choose from.
Bathroom Decor–great under cabinet pieces, towels and vanity accessories.

Shop these looks:

Palm Leaf Quilt //Modern Anywhere Chair // Two Head Task Lamp // Faux Marble Clock // Enchante Wall Storage Bin

Wood and Metal Storage Boxes // Rope Medallion Pillow // Enchante Pillow // 2 Drawer Accent Table // Claudette Wire Hamper

Did anyone else find any great home decor deals while school shopping?

SEVEN things I’d by during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

July 25, 2016

Hey there friends. Sorry I skipped out last week here on the blog but things have been extra busy and I just didn’t have time (or energy) to complete all the blog post I had planned for you. My busy schedule included 5 days at the Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings show followed by two days at the Blog Life University Conference and I’m tuckered out. I’ll be sharing more about the gift show and the conference later this week but today I’m sharing one of my favorite shopping events of the year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

When I lived in Seattle, I actually planned a couple of vacation days around the sale so I could be at the flagship store the day the sale went live. I didn’t want to miss out on any of the deals. Now I shop my local Nordstrom or when I don’t want to deal with the crowds, I hit their website. That’s just what I did Saturday afternoon while I crashed on the couch.

There are so many great items in this years sale but a few really caught my eye and I just had to share them with you.

Here are my top picks from the sale…

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A classic backpack is a handbag staple in my book. They are great for traveling and weekend shopping when you want your hands free. I love the sleek lines of this Sole Society Ellie Backpack and the tassel charm on the flap. And you can’t beat the $29.90 price.

Cardigans are my go-to fashion item during fall and this Halogen Cashmere Kimono Cardigan has so much going for it. I love the oversized fit, the soft drape and the fact that is it cashmere. This piece is available in three colors and is on sale for $98.90. ($148 after sale)

I never met a tassel I didn’t like, especially if it’s an earring. These Sole Society Tassel Earrings are such fun and will look great with sweaters this fall. $36.95

The combination of the cord necklace and crystal pendant is what caught my eye. This is a perfect piece to wear day-to-night and with everything from jeans to dresses. Bauble Bar Bijoux’ Pendant Necklace $42.00

I’ve been wanting this Jonathan Adler Zebra Porcelain Stacking Dish for ages and couldn’t pass up the $15.90 price and my new favorite color, navy. The gold version is also available but at a higher price.

In addition to clothing and shoes, you can find some great home decor items in the Nordstrom Sale. This Levtex Diamond Straw Basket is perfect to hold blankets or just about anything you want. $38.90 Available in natural & navy and natural & tan.

An oversized sweater and jeans is the perfect fall outfit in my book. This Halogen Ribbed Cashmere Poncho has a great shape and subtle ribbed texture. Available in 4 colors. $148.90

So now that I’ve got you ready to do some shopping, here are some tips I’ve learned from shopping the sale for many years…

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Insider Tips For Shopping The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Shop early! I can’t stress this enough. Many items will sell out within the first few days of the sale so plan to do your shopping early. p.s. this years sale ends on Aug. 4th.

Did you know that Nordstrom has personal stylist to help you shop? This free service is great if you’re needing special pieces or want pulling together outfits. You can schedule an appointment or ask for an available stylist when you’re at the store. p.s. the stylist have all the inside tips on products and can often find items that are sold out in your area.

For even better deals than you can find in the main for jewelry and accessory department, shop the Brass Plum department. You can find the latest styles and designs at a fraction the price. This tassel handbag didn’t make my top 7 list but is definitely a great buy.

If you’re stocking up on fall clothing, purchase the items you’re interested in, take them home to try on them on and return what you don’t want. The dressing rooms are typically crowded during the sale so take items home so you can try them on in the comfort and space of your own bedroom.

If your local store doesn’t have the size or color you want, a Nordstrom sales person can order the item for you at no shipping cost.

Nordstrom offers samples of almost any beauty product in store every day. During the Anniversary Sale you’ll find limited-edition offerings, plus 300 beauty and fragrance exclusives so just ask for a sample at the counter.

Think Christmas gifts. This is a great time to buy higher priced items and save a little money, especially on handbags, footwear and mens clothing.

Happy shopping!

Favorite Posts, Pins and Products of the week.

July 2, 2016

Hooray for long weekends! We’re off visiting family and out to-do list includes lots of R & R, s’mores and maybe even and outdoor movie.

Enjoy your weekend friends and my round-up of favorites from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

Such a cute and clever way to use cutting boards as part of a tablescape.

There are a lot of homes that take my breath away but this one is truly my dream house.

design by Establish Design, photos by Joshua Caldwell

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FAVORITE PINS

I’ve been on the hunt for an easy no-bake summer dessert recipe and this Key Lime Cheesecake is it.

One of the most popular boards on my Pinterest page is dedicated to creative gift wrap ideas. One of my favorite ideas is using vintage jewelry to adorn a gift. So simple, yet so stunning.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Even though I’m way past my teen years, I love shopping Pottery Barn Teen for unique home decor and gift items. I spotted this gorgeous bamboo wall shelf the other day and couldn’t believe the price. This would look amazing hanging in a bathroom.

Have you ever googled ‘cute beach towels’? I did and came up with some really, really cute finds. This personalized greek key design is just one of my faves from Haymarket Designs.

These Fabric Wrapped Terracotta Vases are great for colorful summer flower arrangements.

If you’re looking to do some shopping this weekend, check out these great sales.

Add’l 30% off sale items at Anthropologie

Up to 70% off at Wayfair on all product categories

ASOS has become one of my favorite online shops and this weekend you can save up to 50% off

20% off at Rifle Paper Co. It’s a great time to stock up on their beautiful gift wrap

40% off your purchase (including sale items) at the Gap

Everything at Old Navy is on sale–up to 60% off

Extra 50% off at Banana Republic

On The Bookshelf: New Design & Entertaining Books

June 30, 2016

The Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings market is just a few weeks away and that always signals new design books in my mind. During market, I always make it point to visit my favorite book publishers to see the new releases in persona. Here are just a few of the new titles I can’t wait to get a look at.

NEW DESIGN & ENTERTAINING BOOKS, 2016

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Beautiful by Mark D. Sikes

The first book from interior designer Mark D. Sikes is a celebration of American style today, showcasing chic and accessible ideas for every home. Release date Sept. 20th.

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Domino–Your Guide To A Stylish Home

Your Guide to a Stylish Home provides a trusted filter, using the friendly and authoritative voice of domino to teach readers about attainable, stylish design and how to make it uniquely your own. Release date Nov. 15th

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Life Unstyled

Life Unstyled is about taking inspiration from real homes that are beautiful, creative and inspiring but at the same time a little rough around the edges, with signs of everyday life evident throughout. Release date Sept. 8th

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Vern Yip Design Wise

Vern introduces his “design by the numbers” approach, revealing the optimal measurements that are integral to making a room feel “right. Whether it’s a laid-back Florida cottage, a small Manhattan apartment, or a traditional family home in Atlanta, Vern’s key design principles will make any house a true home. Release date Sept. 13th

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A House by The Sea–Bunny Williams

Her new book invites readers to explore La Colina, Williams’s lovely Caribbean retreat tucked into lush, tropical gardens by the sea. The book explores every facet of the property—from outdoor rooms and garden plantings and design to the delightful, island-living luxury of the villa’s interiors, furnishings, and collections. Releases date Sept. 13th

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Decorate for a Party

A unique collaboration between international bestselling interiors author Holly Becker of the decor8 blog and Leslie Shewring of acreativemint.com, this book is packed full of ideas for all types of parties, gatherings and events. Release date Sept. 13th

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Kathryn At Home: A Guide to Simple Entertaining

In an elegant scrapbook style, she shares her notes and advice on entertaining, particularly outdoors. Join Kathryn and her talented friend Ithaka for a breakfast, lunchtime picnics, a candlelight dinner, afternoon tea, a barbecue, and a wedding―all interlaced with signature Kathryn M. Ireland fabrics. Release date July 19th

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Christmas At Designers’ Homes Across America

This treasure trove showcases one-of-a-kind holiday ideas from some of the nation’s most talented interior designers, who share not only their aesthetic tastes but also family holiday rituals and favorite Christmas traditions. Release date Sept. 28th

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Southern Spaces For Beautiful Living

From kitchens to living areas to master suites, you’ll find a range of looks that embrace the region’s signature stylings, as well as savvy ideas from experts and homeowners, to make the most of every space in your home. Release date Sept. 8th

Which of the new books will you be adding to your bookshelf?

The Inspired Room Coloring Book

June 29, 2016

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You all know I love the whole adult coloring book trend which I talked about here and here. And that I’m really excited that there are several coloring books coming out that are designed for home decor fans. Well, just last week I was thrilled to receive a package in the mail from Melissa of The Inspired Room. Inside the package was an advanced copy of her new home decor coloring book. (thanks Melissa). #happymail

When I talked about The Inspired Room Coloring Book on the blog before, I had only seen images online and the description on Amazon. I knew the book was going to be good but it is even better in person.

Unlike many other coloring books, Melissa designed the pages with images only on one side of the paper which makes the pages ideal for framing. And each page is perforated so that it can easily be torn out and hung on a bulletin board or used for a creative projects. The paper is thick which reduces he chance of ink bleeding through so you can use my favorite markers just as easily as pencils to color the images.

I’ve spent several evenings unwinding by coloring in the book and I have to tell you it’s addictive and relaxing.

The image below gave me the opportunity to envision what an emerald green secretary would look like. I’m hoping to score one at an antique store and paint it green.

Isn’t this page of chair designs fun?

I used one of the pages to play around with a color story I’m working on for a design client. I pulled one of the fabric swatches we’re considering and created an accessory plan using this accessory page from the coloring book.

If you’re looking for a great girlfriend gift under $10.00, this is it. Although the official release date isn’t until July 1st, you can buy a copy on Amazon today.

image via The Inspired Room

If you want to see more pages from the book, follow the hashtag #TIRcoloringbook on Instagram.

DIY Monogram Straw Hat

June 21, 2016

In a couple of months we’ll be setting sail on our 8th cruise to the Caribbean. This time around out ports of call will be Aruba, Bonaire, the Dominican Republic and Grand Turks. #soexcited

I’ve already started picking up a few new items for the trip, one of which was a new sun hat for me. A plain straw hat would have worked fine but I had to give my hat a little extra something-something.

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DIY MONOGRAM STRAW HAT

Here’s how the project started…

I bought this basic wide brim hat from Wal-Mart for under $5.00 ($3.35 to be exact). You can see that it has a thin brown cord as a decorative touch but the brown wasn’t working for me. Neither was the plain brim.

So I replaced the cord with a black and white striped ribbon and added my monogram to the back of the brim. Instant style!

All it took to replace the cording was a few snips with the scissors and some fabric glue to attach the new ribbon.

To create my monogram, I purchased some white iron-on letters from Hobby Lobby. These are the same brand of letters I used to make my monogram napkins.

What I love about these letters is they allow you to create a true three-letter monogram.

The only downside is the letters only come in white so your design options are limited.

I came up with an easier solution and all it took was a Sharpie. To get the black letters I wanted, I used a Permanent Sharpie Marker and colored over each letter.

All that was left to do was to position my monogram onto the back of the hat and iron it in place.

(before ironing, cover the letters with a piece of fabric so you don’t get ink on your iron or burn your letters)

This was such an easy update and now my hat that looks like it was made for a Mediterrian cruise.

The hat is available in four other colors so take your pick and make your own chic summer sun hat.

Favorite Posts, Pins and Product of The Week

June 18, 2016

It was a good week around my parts. In addition to getting lots done and finishing up a Room-to-Room e-design project (which I’ll share soon), I spent some time catching up with my favorite bloggers. So much great content this week so I’ve got lots to share with you. Enjoy!

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FAVORITE POSTS

After reading this great post, I realize I need to step-up my wind-down routine at the end the day. Tiffany shares some great products and great rituals that I’m sure will inspire you too. #investinyourself

I’m a big fan of designer Tobi Fairley and loved these simple tips for pattern mixing that she shared this week. #gobigorgohome

Kristin’s bedroom refresh is just beautiful. #chinoiserie

If you write a design blog or have an online shop, you’ll find these styling and photo tips helpful. Marian always creates the most beautiful vignettes. #detailsmatter

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FAVORITE PINS

This is a favorite pin of the week because it just exudes happiness and because I’m excited to see the new Oh Joy! collection at Target. p.s. new collection will be released in stores tomorrow.

This 4th of July tablescape is really stunning and would be so simple to pull together.

I wrote about my love the Tiny Houses here and if I could get Anna White to build it, I’d be all in. The dining table, desk is just amazing! You can tour her tiny house here and get free-plans to build your own here.