addiction

I have a new addiction. I don't have many so I feel I'm still ok... but please catch me if I start to spiral downward out of reality. My latest addiction is the new HGTV show Secrets From A Stylist. I think I'm addicted because she captures the couple's different styles and molds it into one. It can be hard to mash opposite styles into one living space once you get married. However, she shows us that it can be done! I love what she did with Joy (from Oh Joy) and Bob's living room. She mashed her feminine style with color and patterns to his simple and sleek look by bringing in furniture with chrome finishing and solid colors. This was the final product:

*Sigh* Yes it's official. I'm in love. Check out the episodes and you'll fall in love too!

void

There has been a void in my life. Geometric patterns is what's been missing. I'm sure you are sighing in exasperation saying "Oh Emily!" But no really! I have. Generally speaking I'm an organic girl. Organic in the sense of shape, not produce. I'm drawn to curved edges or things found in nature. As of late, I keep googly-eyeing all things geometric. There is something so crisp and wonderful about them. I think that life is about having the perfect mix. Here are a few I've had my eye on.

 1. Urban Outfitters Marquee Arrow $198
2. Anthropologie Counting Angles Dress $168
3. Etsy Chevron Stripe Pillow $56
4. Urban Outfitters Madeline Chair $349

nail polish giveaway

Nail polish. Love the stuff. It's a great way to feel spicy and mix up the routine. Lately I've been coveting some fabulously vibrant colors I've seen on nails, but haven't been able to find them in the stores. Well, the search is over and you have the chance to get them for free! American Apparel has a line of nail polish that is to die for. Check out the giveaway going on at Lifestyle Bohemia

long stitch book binding

For you viewing pleasure, I thought I would share some of the latest books I've made. I'm addicted to this long stitch book binding style. There are numerous ways to stylize the stitching. I love the color combo with this one here, made with green and teal birds. It's so fresh.

This windowed exposed spine was a fun experiment. At first I was worried that the construction wouldn't be strong enough, but it is. I love the way you see the pages through the peek-a-boo window. Plus the black and white mums are fabulous! I wish I had an endless amount of this paper... for free. Now that would be awesome!

I've been playing with the idea of doing a book give away? What do you think? Yay or nay?

Edelweiss photoshoot

Happy Tuesday ladies! I hope your week is going well. I'm sure yours is the same way, but if you take a look at my planner you'll see how one day into the week makes it a mess with my weekly "to do" list.

I must say though that I'm really excited for this week because it's the unveiling of Edelweiss by Sarah, Dee dress. The concept of Sharing the Love is about 5 girls being able to share the same dress but style it differently. I started off the series this week with my Valentines Day inspired outfit. Hope you like it! Today is the beautiful Taylor. So go on over and check out these beautiful dresses at Edelweiss by Sarah or to follow the rest of the five girls go to the blog.

Photos taken by Brittany Wood

red and teal designs

It's that time again! Thirsty Thursdays. This time I want to take a moment and talk about my latest obsession. Red and teal home decor. I love the combo because it's fresh and cheery. We have a red couch and for a while I had my eye on a book shelf that I wanted to paint teal... however Christmas came around and things got crazy. I've also been drooling over gorgeous paper for my book arts class. Today I was working on tearing paper for four new books. I can't wait to finish them. Anyways, I wanted to showcase this beautiful teal paper from paper source. Plus don't you just love the detail in this Anthropologie necklace? I can't get over it!

Thirsty Thursday

Today is Thirsty Thursday so lets drink up some design! Since graduation is coming up (as mentioned earlier) I've been talking with some friends about my options. One friend in particular recommended the book Creative Inc.; The Ultimate Guide To Running a Successful Freelance Business. I knew I would instantly fall in love with the layout and content since it is written by none other than Joy Deangdeelert Cho from Oh Joy. Well it's true, I fell in love with it. I simply had to purchase it... for the sake of my future right :) Besides, who can compete with that unbeatable price. I can picture that package being sent to my doorstep right now.

Don't you just adore this look book for photographer Max Wanger created by Bri Emery?!

I found Bri because she is a contributor to Oh Joy and therefor I found her own graphic design which she does on the side.I am infatuated with the photos by Max and how Bri created a brilliant lookbook for him. You would never guess that was what you are viewing. This is another great example of how photography and design are intertwine.

apartment love

Ahhhh. Saturday mornings. They are the best of the best when you sleep in late and make a killer breakfast which includes an omelet, scalloped potatoes and apple juice. Yum yum yum! After a wonderful breakfast made by the two of us (I love it when we are both in our little kitchen), I began a blog search. It's amazing to see how connected people are. I'll start in one place and before I know it, an hour has gone by and I've discovered a handful of talented people and new inspirations.

Don't you just absolutely love this living room by Chris and Stacy Sargent? It's nice to see rooms done well on a budget. We live in a white wall apartment like this one. It's refreshing to know that apartments can look good without painted walls, granite counter tops or dark hardwood floors.

I love this idea of hanging an old screen door to post pictures. It looks great in their kitchen.

You can see the rest of their apartment by going to their adorable blog Love and Photographs. Have a happy weekend everyone!

new year, new name, new semester

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had an enjoyable vacation. I know we sure did! However, it's back to reality since school starts again tomorrow. It was fun getting our books and seeing the hustle and bustle on campus due to the new semester.

With the new year starting, there are many wonderful things in store. One of them is my official new last name! Although we've been married for five months now, I finally finished all the paperwork and am the REAL Emily Gilmore. The next exciting step is graduation! That's right folks. This is my last semester at college and will soon graduate with a Bachelors in graphic design and business. I'm excited to move on to a new chapter in life. Finally, with the new year comes new years resolutions. We all have them I know. But this year I tried thinking a little outside of the box. Such as hats.

I don't wear them enough yet I have a number of cute ones and feel like they give personality to any outfit. Like this one here. 

Dinner parties. Food and friends... what more fun could you ask for? I can't wait to plan summer picknicks, but in the mean time it will be great planning cozy ones inside. 

Wearing more dresses. Especially this fabulous one from Anthropologie. Right now I wouldn't think twice about wearing a dress due to the fact that it's 10 degrees outside and snowing. However, once spring rolls around I'm thinking about doing a 30 for 30. 30 skirts or dresses for 30 days. I think it will be fun and feminine and a great way to welcome in the spring. 

My final resolution is to save money so Chris and I to take a vacation. We are talking about visiting my Dad's family in England (since they haven't met Chris). While we are there we might visit a few other countries. I'll let you in on more details as plans progress. 

In the mean time check out Rebecca Hansen! They did our engagement photos back in the summer of 2010. We absolutely loved the way they turned out! Apparently they liked them too because the showcased Chris and I as some of the favorite photos they took. Our photo is the first to appear on the post and then there are a few more throughout. Enjoy the photos and the new year!

home sweet home

While searching through my usual inspirations, I came across a fabulous photographer in Portland. My heart ached for home when I saw the gray fall skies set among fabulous clothes and the beautiful city scene. Amy Nieto  captures it all. I can't wait to go home for Christmas! Walking through the door to see the garland wrapped around the stair banister is the image and inspiration getting me through finals. In the mean time, I want to share a bit of home with you.

fashion+nature = portland

Ok, yes, this is a toy horse tied to a real horse ring. These little horses are all over Portland. The Horse project was started by a man that wanted to incorporate art in the community. It makes for a fun scavenger hunt or a shocking double take if you've never seen one before.

infatuations... continued

5. The Apothecary's Daughter... on my kindle.
Ok, so it's not really MY Kindle, just a rented one from the library. I've always been partial to having a real book in my hands, what with the feel, smell and the joy of turning each page. But I must say that the Kindle is an experience of it's own. The sleek design and feel in your hands makes you feel cool. And important :) Now, enough with the kindle.... and on to the book. The Apothecary's Daughter was recommended to me and I'm so glad at that! I haven't finished it yet but the intrigue, suspense, love triangles and well developed characters make this a must read!

6. zumba class
I'm one to get restless with work out plans. I love to run, but if I do it too often without any variety, I tire of it quickly. I found some exercise classes near by and Zumba is my FAVORITE! It's a high energy, cardio work out set to Latin music. Many Latin dance moves are thrown in, but by the end you'll find your heart rate up and and a sexy swivel in your hips.

7. custom jewelry by Truly Sarah
I LOVE these one of a kind pieces. My beautiful and talented friend Sarah Onken makes all of these by hand, uses real precious stones and metals. I had the honor to wear some of her jewelry for a photo shoot and had a great time. Check out her etsy shop and buy some pieces! They would make great Christmas gifts for someone special.

8. urban outfitters online apartment sale
Pretty much the best thing since sliced bread. This store has one of a kind prints and details on home decor items. Although my poor married college student budget, doesn't fit full priced items (not that I can ever get myself to buy things at full price anyways), I've found that UO has great deals! Check it out and see what treasures you can find.

refinishing furniture 
Go from drab to fab with with a little time, paint and a sander. This piece found at the salvation army store for $30 has become quite the home accent. I've been having my eye out for unique pieces like this one, but with little luck. Once I do, I'll be sure to post something about it. In the mean time, check out how this DIY furnishing woman did it. 

10. trying new recipes
To keep things new and exciting, I enjoy trying new recipes at least twice a week, if not more. I enjoy the challenge... and of course the finished product! Sometimes I find a gem of a recipe that I use it over and over. This banana crumb muffin has definitely made the list of favorites. With it's perfect balance of banana to bread ratio, heaven in my mouth is the outcome. Not to mention the brown sugar crumble on top is divine. With Halloween just over and Thanksgiving around the corner, my husband is having me cook everything pumpkin. I've been having fun trying to make pumpkin desserts. Try it! You'll be amazed at all the options besides pumpkin pie. Happy Baking!

10 things i'm infatuated with

I love to love. Right now it is the colorful leaves and the crunchy sound they make as I step on them. Crunch crunch crunch! They seem to say to me "Step on me Emily! Enjoy Fall!" Besides loving fall and the Halloween festivities, here are 10 other things that I have fallen in love with (or have been in love with for quite some time, but finally confessing my infatuation).

1. Journals
I love writing experiences and funny things that happen in life. I secretly hope that these stacks and stacks of journals that I've carried around with me for years will make a difference to my posterity. Otherwise, the heavy boxes that transported them were a complete waist. Ha ha ok definitely not. Because even if others don't find them interesting, it's made a difference to me. The journal I'm writing in now was purchased at my favorite bookstore of all time... Powell's Bookstore. Aka the happiest place on earth. My ecojot journal has trees on it to remind me of home and is made of recycled paper. Check it out! They are just simply fabulous!

 2. Baths
It's true. I can take 2 hour long baths. I love them. So relaxing and tranquil. Bringing in a good book to read while soaking is the best. Try it next time you are needing a little R&R. Light some candles too! My favorite are from voluspa. They smell SO GOOD and the decorative tins make a nice room accent.

3. Toms shoes
Not only was this company started by wanting to make the world a better place, but the shoes are SO comfy and stylish. For every pair of shoes you buy they donate a pair of shoes to less fortunate children all around the world. Working for them would be a dream come true.

  4. My Sondre Lerche pandora station

Offering a variety of jazzy music from Sondre Lerche, to the classics like Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and others. I love listening to it while cooking. It always makes me want to dance on our slick tile floor. Music makes me happy. 

5. Home Decor Magazines

I'm not sure it my sudden intense infatuation with home decor magazines stems from our new apartment and seeking ideas, or if it's my love of combining art with every day living. A pillow can be a piece of art, a beautifully crafted coffee table or book shelf can be art as well. Design and self expression can be found anywhere. I've always loved feng shui, painting walls different colors, and trying daring things. I remember when I was in middle school, my mother let me paint my room. Oh man was it a job! I previously had a wallpaper border. I quickly learned that wallpaper is of the devil and never to use it no matter how cool I think the pattern is. Soon enough, you'll get tired of it and taking off wallpaper is a hard long job. I also love finding old pieces of furniture and giving them a face lift with a new coat of paint. Next time you drive by a second hand store, check it out! You never know what kind of room decor treasures you'll find. 

The post for the last 5 will come shortly!