The hunt made easier

Living in a huge city such as Phoenix is both a blessing and a curse for second-hand shopping. There are a bevy of vintage, thrift and antique stores in the area, but the vast amount of options can be overwhelming. 

Enter online helpers The Thrift Shopper.com and Estate Sales.Net. All it takes are a zip code and desire to find fun and unique items that may need a little love. Happy, more efficient, second-hand hunting.

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Little moments and future Cougs

You know those little things that absolutely make your entire day? Well, this picture my sister-in-law sent of my nephew wearing the WSU socks I bought him did just that. The sight of his sweet little face made my heart burst with love, pride and happiness. 

It's nice to see these moments since the fiance and I live away from our family and friends back home in Washington.

Not to mention the shear joy that comes from seeing him obviously practicing how to kick UW fans to the curb.

Tape in tapes

Cute, ironic office supplies ... Yes, please. I came across these cassette tape tape dispensers the other day and had to share. The functional nod to the vintage music medium is from London-based j-me. 

The design company puts a funky and modern twist on home items such as key holders, memo pads, CD towers, shoe racks and magazine racks. Perfect if you're in search of a fun and unique gift or conversation piece for your space.

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Losing with style

The losing campaign my alma mater's football team has put together the past few years is forgettable. But amid all the embarrassing defeats, the team knows how to do one thing right: Look good. 

The Washington State University football uniforms are classic with a modern and fresh twist. Even though the blowout to USC on Saturday wasn't fun to watch, I enjoyed seeing the team decked out in crimson from head to toe.

And just because ...

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Uniform combinations

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Five for Friday: The art of inspiration

I've been inspired to paint lately. And these beauties have a lot to do with the reignited passion to create with a paintbrush and canvas.

1. Vanessa Briggs: Sunset 03

2. Matthew Heller: Homage to Music #7, Against All Odds

3. Laura Trevey: Girlie Girl

4. Kate Long Stevenson: The Mirror

5. Jamie Shelman: Untitled

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Blog loves to play dress-up

How boring would it be if everything stayed the same? In my little neck of the Internet woods, I like to keep it fresh, and that means changing up the blog every now and then.

This time, I created a new main header. I have a few different candidates and two I'm kind of torn between, which is where you come in. I'd appreciate any feedback on which one you like, dislike, fits the style of this space the best, etc. Thanks, friends.

In rotation: Frankie Rose And The Outs + The Hundred In The Hands + M83 + For Those About To Love + Real Estate + Women + Beach House

These albums have been blaring from my speakers during the past two weeks. Do your ears a favor and check out the musical goodness.

Frankie Rose And The Outs: Self-Titled

 

The Hundred In The Hands:Self-Titled

M83: Saturdays = Youth

For Those About To Love: Self-Titled

Real Estate: Self-Titled

Women: Public Strain

Beach House: Teen Dream

Need a roommate?

I'm ready to move in tomorrow. 

Totally digging these amazing rooms. Of course they all feature a few of my fave design obsessions: yellow, chevron, credenzas and glass.

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At home with {Black.White.Yellow.}

I about passed out when I saw Jessica's house tour via her fabulous blog {Black.White.Yellow.} Her space looks bright, fun and collected, which is a lot of what I'm going for in the townhouse. Love her use of art, pattern and color.

See for yourself ...

[images via {Black.White.Yellow.}]

Five for Friday: Travel bug

I want to see the World. Maybe the desire to do some International exploring stems from my curious nature or that I didn't go much further than the Washington state line growing up. The fiance has seen a decent portion of countries outside of the United States, so I have some catching up to do. And I'd like to start in these amazing places:

 

 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

1. Italy: If I had the opportunity to leave tomorrow, I wouldn't think twice. It seems like a place that has everything I'd love: Historical landmarks, shopping, water, sweeping countryside views, yummy food and fashion. Not to mention it's where my Mom's side of the family is from.

2. Ireland: A trip here would definitely be getting back to my roots. My Dad's side of the family is from Donegal, a coastal city in north Ireland. We entertained the idea of getting married in Donegal, but after some research, it would have been a lot of unnecessary stress. But I still want to visit, especially since my Dad never got the chance to.

3. Fiji: We choose these islands in the South Pacific as our Honeymoon destination. Since we want a summer wedding, we'll delay the trip for a few months as it is Fiji's wintertime then. But when we do go, I'm looking forward to the beautiful beaches and rich cultural experience.

4. Costa Rica: As someone who adores the outdoors, the Central American country seems to have it all: Beaches, volcanoes, rivers, tropical forests and a variety of animals. Sounds like the perfect place to swim, surf, hike, kayak, take pictures and even live.

5. France: More specifically the City of Light is a dream destination for those in love with love, fashion and art. The Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are my must-sees.

Where are your dream destinations? Wherever you go this weekend, may it be fun, restful and everything you want it to be.

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Meet Rue Magazine

Be prepared for eye candy overload. Online design magazine Rue Magazine launched today, and it was vibrant, fresh and organized. The founders and fellow bloggers Crystal Gentilello and Anne Sage wanted to make design accessible to the masses. In the inaugural offering, you can find several house tour features, shopping moodboards, free downloadable stationary, recipes and invitations and a lot of inspiration.

Like Lonny before it, Rue is expanding on the budding online magazine medium. Readers get a completely interactive experience via the ability to click on links in the images, ads and text in the publication. A fun layout makes the pretty pictures and information easy to digest. I can't wait to see what the Rue team comes up with next.

A few of my fave images from the first issue:

 

[images via Rue Magazine]