End of the World

I took a class in college called The End of the World, so luckily I knew that today was not the day for that to happen. Instead of rapturizing, I went estate sale shopping and got a few interesting items (not shown: silver bowling pin trophy/ashtray for Dan). If that fur clutch doesn't work out, I could always wear it on my head a la Davy Crockett.

Find estate sales near you here. 

Living with Chronic Bitchface

Has this ever happened to you? I feel like between the ages of 22 and 25 I heard it at least a few times a week. Nothing is worse! It hasn't happened recently, but it is a Monday and it's 30 degrees colder than some wonderful days last week, so I thought I'd pile on some misery. Happy day to you!

Sidenote: I love Kris Atomic's illustrations. You might recognize her style from the cover of Anthology mag's first issue. See more of her work here (amazing photography, too) and buy prints here.

Fine Heraldry

I've come across these custom crests before, but every time I see them I love them all over again. By Happy Menocal,  they deliver custom heraldry for a new family, wedding gift or invitations, personal monogram or logo.  As a weddding gift would be to die for. Maybe one for the newly engaged Mo of Just Say Maux? I think so.

Smile Inducing

It's a rainy day and I've neglected the blog for about two weeks now.

However, it's a rainy Friday (!), and these prints are most certainly worthy of a smile. On a Friday. TGIF.

That first one is called Lonely Traveller and I just love him.

All prints and pics from I Love Doodle

Ampersanding

Ever since I spotted this Kate Spade ampersand DIY on High Heeled Foot in the Door (now Effortless Style Blog), I wanted to try and create my own. Here is a freehand version using acrylics...needs a bit of cleaning up I'd say. It now hangs on my fridge, but has been nagging me for a proper frame.

And here are some lovely ampersand prints spotted on Etsy.

What is it about this quirky character that just begs to be doodled?

1/2/3

'Course I'm Mad About Animals

J. Crew recently launched their new blog, 770 Behind the Line, and I'm already a big fan. I love this wallpaper feature from their newest crewcuts store: they left the existing NYC drawings wallpaper up and brought in artists Rebekah and Sara Maysles (daughters of Albert from Grey Gardens fame) to embellish with handrawn details. I feel its something both Big and Little Edie would approve of.

Don't You Liz Me

Things I didn't know about Elizabeth Taylor until this week:

She was born to two art dealers. She ammassed her own impressive art collection - including pieces by Monet, Picasso, and van Gogh. Hugh Grant once bought Warhol's "Liz #5" at auction while drunk for $3.3 million (totally would have done the same) and later sold it. The piece is going up for auction on May 12 and could make up to $30 million.

Elizabeth once described her home as "such a cozy, sweet place with bits and pieces around - bits and pieces of Renoir - and you know, things that make it homey."

Liz #5, Warhol; Elizabeth Taylor Gold Painting, Russell Young; Elizabeth Taylor, John Keaton;  Elizabeth Taylor (pink), Russell Young.

Paper Chandelier

Can you even believe this chandelier is made of paper and a DIY? From Freshly Picked, go here to see how to make this West Elm lookalike. I much prefer the paper version.

Bakeware Catchalls

As you can see, brioche molds and tartlet pans can find a better life outside of the back of your cabinets. And they can be helpful organizers, too.

Seen on Poppytalk from Chatelaine; Photo credit: Roberto Caruso

Money Talks

...especially when it's blown up and hung on the wall. I love the AmEx, but the dollar bill is my favorite. Christina from Full House circled "In God We Trust" on the back of the bill with a red Sharpie and blew it up to four feet wide.

Top photo from Full House, bottom from Lonny spotted on Haven and Home

Odds and Ends

Behold, random bits all under $15. These are a few of my favorite purchases in the last month or two.

God bless Homegoods and Ikea, naturally. Also, an apprehensive applause to Michael's for adding some kind of odd Parisian decorating aisle.

Porcelain crown, Michael's; Pink globe, Homegoods; Glass jar, Ikea;

Crystal votive holder, Homegoods; Gray & white striped tray, Ikea

Lost in Bloglovin

An extraordinary way to spend this Friday would be getting lost in Bloglovin. An easy way to keep track of all your faves (and find hundreds of new reads) because "reading blogs can be a pain in the ass." Follow The Social Secretary on Bloglovin here. And just for the H of it, follow me on Twitter here. Happy Weekend!

I Love You Blogs and Coffee Print  by Jennifer Ramos seen on Just Say Maux

Chicago Knot Tying

Chicago, the Cubs, hand drawn illustrations, Lou's...how could I not be a fan of these charmers? Absolutely love this invitation suite, but my favorite might be the map. The maps get me every time.

Chicago Wedding Suite by Swiss Cottage Designs for Lacey & Flynn.

Live the Language

And now I'd like to learn French and holiday in Paris. After that, Barcelona.

Education First commercials by Niklas Johansson

Inspired Art

I'm having a particularly hard time committing to art for my bare, white, boring walls. I've recently taken to attempting some DIY pieces (that are failing quite miserably), so I'm always happy to find some successes in this department. I love this painting by Viv at ish & chi which was inspired by a Bob Collins fabric.Viv's entire home is so inspiring (she is currently an interior design student), her blog has been a great place to visit for creative motivation.

I'll let you know if I come up with anything remotely as good as this.

Photos from ish and chi. Thanks Viv!

DIY Woven Bracelet

An updated style for your BFF.

Spotted on Little White Whale with instructions at Honestly...WTF

Pic from Little White Whale

Pick a Little

Recent tv addiction: American Pickers on the History Channel. Pickers, Mike and Frank, travel the country scouring people's junk for long lost American treasures. I'd love a job with these guys.

See more of their picked treasure here.

City in a Bag

Have the world's greatest cities at your finger tips. City in a Bag blocks by Muji, a Japanese organizational store who "in its deliberate pursuit of the pure and the ordinary - achieves the extraordinary."
While they're great for kids they also make cute and clean sculptures for shelf or desk space.

Seen on Dear Genevieve, HGTV

In Search of the Perfect Tray

I need something like this, so my search has begun. But, since this was a DIY, I might just give it a whirl.

See tutorials at Everything LEB.

Good Bones

Last week I found this little table at a local antique shop for $15. The owner told me it's "super old with good bones." Good bones indeed, but the black top needed to go. Love my new table, but I also wish I had seen this faux wood grain idea before I started!

From everything LEB