GALENTINES GIFTS

Let's be real, Valentine's Day in a relationship is just not that exciting. While I think it's a great occasion to celebrate your relationship, it's a pain to get dinner reservations, then pay a ton for a special Valentine's menu, etc. etc. Each year, I am much more excited to put together gifts and goodies for my Galentine's! Let's be real, girls appreciate all the cute stuff wayyyyy more anyways. 

1. Chocolate Dipped Treats - An easy and wallet friendly DIY! 

2. C'est La Vie Makeup Bag, Forever21 $6 -- A good mantra on a cuter bag.

3. Wine Tote, Plate and Pencil $19 -- I always love a good pun, and this bag is perfect to use year round. 

4. Key Tag, $15 -- Truth. Tacos > Everything.

5. Sheet Mask, TonyMoly $4 -- I love these sheet masks, and they are incredibly inexpensive. I always throw them into gifts as fun extras.

6. Mini Champagne, Sofia Coppola $5 -- Perfect for raising a toast to your Galentine's.

6. Nail Polish, Essie $8 -- Essie has every shade of pink and red under the sun, pick a different one for each friend!

7. Candy Bento, Sugarfina $7 -- My favorite are the champagne gummy bears.

8. Love Potion Tumbler, Ban.Do $13 -- I'm snagging this one for myself! 

9. Besties Temporary Tattoo, Tattly $5 -- The updated friendship necklace.

VALENTINE'S CARDS

Paper goods are my absolute weakness. I have a few too many notebooks, list pads, and cards. However, finding the perfect card for someone is one of those small things that just makes me feel really happy. With all the amazing print and design studios, Hallmark just doesn't cut it anymore! Some of my favorite places to shop for cards are Etsy, Paper Source, and local gift stores. I picked out a few of my favorites below, and I'll have some Galentine's Goodies on PGIP tomorrow. 

1. Big Time Love, Hammer Press $4.50
2. Bee Mine, Smock Paper $2.50
3. I Love You Hippo, Smock Paper $2.50
4. Mushy Card, RowHouse14 $5
5. Electric Love, Paper Source $6
6. Pizza Love, Sea and Lake Paper Co. $4.50
7. Stud Muffin, RowHouse14 $5
8. Kanye Love, Bird House Press $4
9. You're My Person, Paper Source $5

DECEMBER BOOK CLUB

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies but not one that I often discuss in this space (or perhaps ever?). Book Club is going to be a new, once a month series to discuss the books I read for the month and a short review. In January I will recap the December books plus my thoughts on them, and introduce the new books for the month. If you are reading any of the same books please let me know!

1. HONY Stories - This book is portrait photos and quotes that give you insight in the subjects life. If you follow the HONY page on Facebook, you know what to expect. I'm about 3/4 of the way through, it's a very quick read. It really reinforces the fact that you never know what people are going through. I definitely recommend this book. 

2. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead -  This was the pick for my real life book club this month. I haven't yet started it, but I am very excited. The author has one of the most viewed Ted Talks of all time on this very topic. She has done extensive research on vulnerability, and how it is essential in our relationships and lives.

3. Always Pack a Party Dress - I just snagged this book on major sale at Anthropologie after having it in my Amazon cart for awhile. It is my fun pick of the month. I am really fascinated with the fashion industry, so I'm excited to dive in to Brooks memoir of her career trajectory that eventually landed her as the Fashion Director of Barneys. 

INSPIRED BY: BOHO BEACH HOME

One odd thing about living in San Francisco is adjusting to the chilly summer season. I have been seriously craving a vacation to the beach to get a healthy dose of vitamin D. Until that happens, you can find me browsing Pinterest for spaces like the one below.

- Get the Look -

Side Table, Zinc Decor $518 - Ottoman, Dot and Bo $190 - Copper Planter, Etsy $57

Curtains Etsy $160 (Easy DIY here) - Cactus Print, Urban Outfitters $39 - Sign, Amara $14

Lumbar Pillow, Urban Outfitters $39 - Throw Pillows, Target $25 - Plants, Crate and Barrel $45

Chair, Wayfair $206 - Rug, Rugs USA (price varies)

GET THE LOOK: BEACH SHACK

With all this dreaming of spring and summer I have been doing, beach vacations have been making frequent appearances in these dreams. I came across this beach shack on Pinterest and I immediately adored the bright walls and mix of wood finishes.

Ottoman, Overstock $139 - Table, BlueFly $579 - Chair, Crate and Barrel $249 

Light Fixture, Serena and Lily $225 - String Lights, CB2 $40 - Faux Skull, Etsy $85

Bowl, Conran Shop $29 - Pillows, Etsy $70 - Fern, Nearly Natural $68 - Lantern, Pier1 $16

GET THE LOOK: HOME OFFICE

I came across this room on Pinterest (duh), and I really liked the color scheme. Especially cause the walls are just about the same color as my bedding right now, and I'm slowly working on my room. You can see the whole room makeover on The Daily Nest. I really loved the office corner in particular, especially how she used the outdoor stool as a little side table. I'm loving campaign tables right now, so in my version I swapped out the desk, and added some colorful prints from Lulu & Georgia.

Desk, One Kings Lane $525 - Lamp, Ikea $18 - Curtains, Overstock $60 - Chair, Target $179

Faux Florals, Etsy $42 - Candle, Archipelago $28 - Clock, One Kings Lane $29 - Mirrors, Target $25

Stool, Inside Avenue $149 - Prints, Lulu & Georgia $20/each  - Paint, Jeff Lewis Color 'Aloe' $40

Exact desk from Target here, $120

BEST FALL AND WINTER CANDLES

Fall and Winter are really when I start burning candles frequently. I just feel like it adds to the Fall/Holiday vibe in my apartment. I love all of the woodsy and spicy scents that come out during this season, so I rounded up a few of my favorites.

1. Paddywax Library Collection 'Edgar Allen Poe', $21 - I just bought this one yesterday! It's a mix of cardamon, absinthe, and sandalwood (Sandalwood, who is up to no good!). The sandalwood and cardamon add a nice spicy, woodsy scent but it's not overpowering. 

2. Rewined 'Spiked Cider', $23 -  Rewined candles are all pretty awesome. I like the white wine scents for a lighter, cleaner scent, but the spiked cider smells freaking delicious for when you want to feel cozy.

3. Voluspa 'Cinnamon Ceylon and Copal' $16 - Voluspa has been a long favorite brand of mine and I really love the Holiday Collection this season. I hate cinnamon scents that smell artificial and Big Red-esque, and this Voluspa one smells like real cinnamon. 

4. Illume 'Woodfire', $36 & Matchbook, $5 - I miss the smell of fires burning in the fireplace during the winter, but this candle does a good job of filling in scent-wise. I also LOVE the giant matchbook that Illume makes. It's much more mature than our Ralph's economy size matchbooks, ha!

WHAT'S ON MY BAR CART

My bar cart seems to be in constant rotation of random bottles people bring over, random shotglasses collected from college and travelling, and an assortment of mixers. It was looking a bit cluttered, so I consolidated everything and put out my favorites.

1. SodaStream - I use this thing all the time, besides mixing drinks. I don't drink soda, so it's never in my apartment, but with a soda stream its really easy to make soda water, or add a syrup if someone wants a soda for a mixer (it comes with little syrups to make soda when you buy it). Plus it's just fun to use.
2. Booze - I like to keep a cheapie but good bottle of wine in case of emergencies (lolz). My current favorite is a Rodney Strong chardonnay I picked up on a trip to Sonoma. One of my friends introduced me to Hangar Lime Sodas and I'm hooked. I like to keep a bottle around to whip them up at home. The bottle of Blanton's actually belongs to my boyfriend... but I really like the bottle shape and cap so it lives on my bar cart. I do love a whiskey cocktail though!
3. Small Glasses and Jam Jars - Jam Jars > Mason Jars, that is all. I also love the art deco feel of the CB2 glasses, and they are on sale right now! For ultra, ultra cheap.
4. Cocktail Shaker and Bottle Opener - This is for when I like to feel fancy and/or impress people. This one is a nice clean shape and very reasonably priced. I love CB2 barware if you couldn't tell. While I really enjoy novelty bottle openers, it's just easier to have a bottle opener/wine key combo so I don't have to dig in the kitchen drawers when someone needs either.
5. Flask and Fun Straws - It reads 'May You Never Go To Hell But Always Be On Your Way'. I don't use it too often, but it looks nice and pretty out on the cart. As for the fun straws, I ALWAYS have them. I use them in smoothies, in regular water, in cocktails, always.

SodaStream $99 - Rodney Strong Chardonnay $14 - Hangar1 Keffir Lime $36 - Blanton's Bourbon $45

Glasses, CB2 $2/each - Cocktail Shaker, CB2 $20 - Jam Jars, Fish's Eddy $2/each

Flask, Izola $27 - Fun Straws, Gracious Home $4 - Corkscrew, Wursthof $16

GET THE LOOK: COZY BALCONY

I love this cozy little balcony. The oversized chair was a smart choice; if I lived here I probably would have gone with small chairs as to not crowd the space. But, the large chair makes the balcony inviting. Add in lots of candles, and this is definitely a space I would want to hang out in.  

Metal Lantern, Dot & Bo $50 - Wood Lantern, House of Fraser $47 - Lights, CB2 $40

Basket, Target $18 - Silver Tea Light, House of Fraser $19 - White Tea Light, Bliss Home $13

Chair, Ikea $350 - Throw, Burke Decor $30 - Pillows, All Modern $30 Each

Plant, Pier1 $12 - Flameless Candles, Casa $12 - Large Hurricane, Williams-Sonoma $50

Table, Dot & Bo $140 - Book, '36 Hours in New York' $40 - Candle Holders, H&M $3-$11

GET THE LOOK: ECLECTIC LIVING ROOM

As I sort of mentioned in my last 'Get The Look' post, all the white walled Scandinavian rooms on Pinterest photograph beautifully, they seem like they would be a bit boring in real life.  It's almost hard to find home tours or pins that feature a different aesthetic. I saw a home tour on Domaine Home that really struck me, because the design was very bold and eclectic. I am definitely, definitely getting a velvet couch in a fun color for my next apartment.

Image via Domaine Home

Get The Look:

Grey Sofa, Overstock $409 - Ottoman, Wayfair $298 - Pink Couch, Made $1300

Side Table, Lamps Plus $180 - Chandelier, Modcloth $70 - Rug, Zinc Decor $351

Ikat Pillow, Etsy $20 - White Pillows, H&M $5 each - Polka Dot Pillow, Casa $50

Art, Etsy $125 - Plant, Kirklands $4 - Frames, Kirklands $5

I had a lot of fun doing the 'Get The Look' post last week, so I think I may make these a regular occurrence. I would love some feedback from readers!

GET THE LOOK: JEWEL TONE BEDROOM

I came across this bedroom on Pinterest in the sea of all white, minimal, swedish-chich bedrooms. I immediately loved the jewel tone, teal headboard with the eggplant colored pillows and all the quirky accents around the room. I pulled look-a-likes for my favorite pieces in the room and I think they all could fit with several styles of room. With a different duvet and wall color, the decor could easily take on a feminine and glamorous or bohemian and luxurious aesthetic.

Image via The Handmade Home

Headboard, Joss and Main $250

Alarm Clock, Casa $13

Rug, Zinc Decor $349

Agate Drawer Pulls, Anthropologie $18

Velvet Pillow, H&M $13

Bolster, Wamsutta $40

Nightstand, Prepac $150

Lamp, Kirklands $40

Ampersand Print, Etsy $20

COPPER HOME ACCENTS

Gold's moment is officially over. Lately copper accents have been catching my eye left and right. It's so bright and shiny, just like a pretty new penny. Copper also complements neutrals and jewel tones really well, so you can add a copper piece into many different decor styles.

1. Candle Holder, Terrain $12
3. Pillow, Society6 $20
3. Vase, Indigo $35
4. Box, H&M Home $17
5. Moon Phases Poster, A Little Lark Etsy Shop $40
6. Candle Holder, CB2 $6
7. Vase, Leif $44
8. Moscow Mule Mug, Nordstrom $24
9. Candle, Capri Blue $28
10. Candle Holder, CB2 $10

POSTGRAD LOVES: FAVORITE CANDLES

It's kind of funny to see what scents my friends gravitate towards, whether it be perfume or candles. I feel like every person has such a distinct taste in scents and rarely do I meet two individuals with the same 'signature scent'. I personally have never been a fan of floral scents, and in my candles I really gravitate towards a fruitier smell. However, I like the fruity scent to be balanced out by a spicy or woodsy fragrance since I left Cucumber Melon behind many years ago.

1. Illume 'Pineapple Cilantro' $22 - I am obsessed with pineapples, they are my favorite fruit by a landslide. This candle balances out the sweet smell of pineapple with a spicy hit of cilantro. Light it in the kitchen!
2. Paddywax 'Fresh Fig and Cardamon' $20 - This one is burning next to me as a type. It is another scent that is fruity, but not sweet smelling.
3. Voluspa 'French Bourbon Vanille' $22 - I have always loved the smell of vanilla, and this candle really makes the scent feel sophisticated. While many vanilla scents can smell synthetic and sugary, this one smells very rich and luxurious. It is absolutely perfect on your nightstand.
4. Archipelago 'Marine' $30 - Sometimes I really just want a candle that smells clean. Not heavy on scent, and not too overpowering. This candle definitely fits the bill. It just smells vaguely salty and beachy, which leaves the room feeling fresh.

Tip: Voluspa and Paddywax both make miniature candles. If you either like to change up scents often, or just want to give one a test run, those are two great brands to check out. 

PALMISTRY & THINGS

I strongly identify with being a Scorpio and I have always enjoyed reading my horoscope. I don't necessarily really believe in them, but I definitely think they are fun and that horoscopes often offer good advice for dealing with problems in your life. Recently, I have been back into reading my horoscope daily and on a recent visit to one of my favorite wine bars in San Francisco, I saw a giant piece of art that shows a palmistry guide in black and gold. I am completely obsessed and have been searching for a similar one for weeks. I have yet to find one, but between my horoscopes and that art, I am completely infatuated with all things mystical. Getting my palm read is next on my bucket list!

Earrings, BCBGeneration $7.50 - Tarot Cards, Catbird NYC $40 - Zodiac Necklace, Need Supply $20

Fortune Telling Book, Amazon $10 -Palmistry Jewelry Stand, Urban Outfitters $20 - 

Poster, Wolf and Bird $16 - Sandles, Mystique $125 - Sweatshirt, Opening Ceremony $85 

Evil Eye Pillow, Urban Outfitters $34 - Triangle Pillow, Urban Outfitters $54 

Palm Pillow, Urban Outfitters $44 - Evil Eye Bangle, C. Wonder $34

Moon Phases Art, Etsy $5 (Digital Download) - Charm Bracelet, BooHoo $12

POSTGRAD LOVES: VELVET FURNITURE

Interior decorating has always been a bit intimidating to me. I like a lot of very, very different styles, so it's hard for me to stick to one theme in a room (let alone a whole house whenever that happens!). It has been a lot easier to find my style through my wardrobe instead of my home, because I could have a different look everyday. Interiors just seem so... permanent. My interior item du jour is velvet furniture. It does not fit in at all with my current room, but I absolutely adore jewel tone, velvet furniture. Especially tufted if you couldn't tell. To me, velvet furniture can easily look modern or vintage and adds such a rich texture to a room.

1. Target $799
2. Armen Living $660
3. Pier1 $17
4. Target $35
5. Hayneedle $330
6. Macy's $699 (Extra 10% off today!)
7. Urban Outfitters $110

INTERIORS: NEUTRAL BEDROOM

I know I posted not too long ago about updating my bedroom decor, but I can't help but want to overhaul my whole room. I'm starting to jump on the neutral train -- along with everybody else! -- but I still love pattern and interesting pops of decor. I also have been thinking of how great it would be to have a vanity/dressing table. Right now I sit on the floor to do my makeup (classy and mature, right?) so having a vanity that could both hold my makeup and be a comfortable place to get ready would be wonderful. I don't have enough space for one in my current room, but I definitely want one in my next apartment.Unfortunately I'm not redecorating my room just about yet, but quite frankly it's really fun just to mock up some cute rooms.

Headboard, Target $180 -Side Tables, J. Hunt Home $121 - Stool, Safavieh $136
Shelves, Target $25 - Lamps, Lamps Plus $15 - Rug, Serena and Lily $195 - Duvet, Nordstrom $198
Ikat Pillows, West Elm $30 - Wave Pillows, West Elm $15 - Bolster, Ebay $18
Flower Vase, Mikasa $15 - Hand Jewelry Holder, Urban Outfitters $20 - Vanity, Wayfair $210
Urchins, Dwell Studio $25 - Candle, Paddywax $20 - Ginger Jar, One Kings Lane $40
Moon Phases Poster, Etsy $25 - Italy Poster, Brittany Makes Printable

POSTGRAD LOVES: OH JOY! FOR TARGET

Happy April 1st! I can't believe how fast 2014 is flying by. I have 100% turned into one of those people that exclaims 'It's already the first!?' every. single. month.

Anywho.

When I heard that Target was doing collaborations with 'power pinners' I was pretty freaking excited. The Oh Joy! line dropped March 16th and is absolutely perfect for a spring party. I wanted to see the quality of the products in person before I wrote about them, and today I got the chance. They look so cute in person as well. I can't wait for the rest of the collaborations to debut.

String Lights $13 - Hooray! Decoration $4 -Plates $4
Party Horns $3 - Party Bags, $4 -Party Hats $3 - Glass Bottle $10
Paper Latnern $4 - Pitcher $13
Bag $7 - Cups $4 - Ice Bucket $15 - Cake Stand $25


Shop Oh Joy! For Target Here

POSTGRAD LOVES: MASCULINE INTERIORS

I love talking affordable decor on the blog, especially because I've been updating my apartment bit by bit. But, a few weeks ago, my brother called me and asked to help him pick out some decor for his living room. I was beyond excited. Mostly because the only thing I like more than spending my own money is spending other people's money... kidding! But I am excited to take on another design aesthetic and have an expanded budget. I dove straight in to inspiration boards and came up with the two below that I think are really fun.

Whiskey Den

Couch, Gordon $919 - Bar Cabinet, Crate and Barrel $919 - Chair, Uttermost $992

Coffee Table, Jordan's Furniture $499 - Shelf, Lamps Plus $56 - Side Table, Currey & Company $450

Lamp, Dwell Studio $945 - Rug, Sheplers $332 - Bottle Opener, Etsy $7 

American Flag, Restoration Hardware $125 - Map, Z Gallerie $600
Currency Art, Z Gallerie $70 - Whiskey Glasses, Reed and Barton $60

New York Pillow, B. Smith $30 - Cream Pillow, Pier1 $25 - Ampersand, Dot and Bo $55 - Clock, Lamps Plus $170 - Books, Etsy $47 - Humidor, Meier & Dutch $50

Quirky and Cool

Couch, CB2 $1,399 - Shelf, Pier1 $250 - Coffee Table, Mercer Trading Co. $55 - Lamp, Threshold $70 - Rug, CB2 $349 

Clock, Koziol $44 - Bison Skull, Magical Thinking $59 - Throw Pillows, Target $20 - Bulldog, Target $42

Blue Candle, Paddywax $19 - Skull Candle, Urban Outfitters $38 - Terrarium, Urban Outfitters $39

White Vase, Threshold $20 - Book, 'Illustrated Guide to Cocktails' $20
Black Book Stack, Etsy $30 - SF POster, Ork Posters $22 - Grey Bookstack, Houzz $16

Succulent, Distinctive Designs $29 - Sphere, Torre & Tagus $42 - Whiskey Tree Print, Bearings $30

BEDROOM UPDATE

I feel like after nearly a year, I am finally getting settled in to my apartment. I haven't spent much time decorating my room mostly because I'm trying to save money, but also because I don't spend too much time in there. It's a catch 22, I don't spend time there cause it's not decorated, I don't decorate cause I don't spend time there. I think the time has come for me to really make it my own space.

My decor style is all over the map, literally. I get overwhelmed because there are so many styles I like, but what I keep getting drawn to is color with a dash of quirk. Although I would love to overhaul my room and start from scratch, I gotta work with what I've got. Currently, that means a multicolored quilt from Anthropologie and a vintage-y dresser, with a few other knickknacks here and there. I would love to add a bookcase and side table, but more on those later! I'm trying to keep the decor colorful, but chic and feminine. 

Unicorn Hook, Urban Outfitters $18
Candle, Zara Home $36
Curtains, Xhilaration $20

Sheepskin Rug, Ikea $30

Jewelry Box, Anthropologie $22

Basket, Colonial Mills $65

Origami Boat Dish, Urban Outfitters $20

Camel Dish, Magical Thinking $16

Picture Frame, Ikea $5

Candlestick, Urban Outfitters $24

Glass Candle Holder, Urban Outfitters $9
Vase, Ikea $3
Pouf, Threshold $90
Throw Blanket, Threshold $32
Water Color, Yao Cheng Design $15

BAR CART IKEA HACK

So if you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my "mystery box" from Ikea. I decided on buying this little bar cart after seeing some great blog posts on how to transform it from industrial to chic. I actually love how tall and narrow it is because my apartment only allows for a cart this size. A few coats of gold paint and I was happy.

Unfortunately I never got a great pic of my cart, but here is a photo from the blog Blush and Jelly that inspired me to repaint the cart.

I am so excited to finally have one and to stock it up! Obviously it needs some cute glassware and we already have the champagne glasses sitting pretty. Here is the rest of what is on my bar cart wish list.

Dial-a-Drink Shaker, Oggi $22 - Gold Dots Shaker, Target $15

Quatrefoil Shaker, Z Gallerie $25 - Black and Gold Shaker, Target $12

Color Shaker, Alexander and Pearl $41 - "Toasts" Shaker, Izola $36

Mother of Pearl Shaker, Pier 1 $13 - Bulldog Shaker, Pottery Barn $40

(I'm dying over the bulldog shaker, it is so silly but I love bulldogs so much!)

Little Pink Book of Cocktails $9 -Vintage Cocktails $50 -Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook $15

Toasts and Tributes $32 - 101 Champagne Cocktails $12 -Tequila Mockingbird $11

Fun Straws, World Market $10 - Key Bottle Opener, World Market $8 -Skull Bottle Stops, Z Gallerie $5
Time to Drink Champagne Print, luluSimon Studio $15 - Playing Cards, Target $3
Cheers Coasters, Flair Designery $30 - Mason Jar Shot Glasses, Think Geek $8
Straw Glasses, Amazon $5 - Flask, Izola $30 - Happy Coasters, TwoRubiesShop $5
Pink Flamingo Stirrers, Keg Works $72 (set of 1000) - Pom Pom Toothpicks, DIY