Happy LOVE Day!!!

Good Morning, Lovers!!

Isn't this pink alarm clock adorable!?!

Image: Barry Vintage

I hope you put on your rain boots this morning because it is WET outside!
Good thing Hunter carries them in PINK!

 Image: Lonny Mag Sept./Oct. Issue


In the spirit of St. Valentine, I wanted to share with you my favorite finds from Pinterest!!

Felt Window Garland: Noodlehead
Valentine's Day Egg in the Basket: Petite Kitchenesse
You Are My Happy print: EeeBee
XOXO Cake: Styled by Couture Events by Lottie and shot by Sara & Rocky Photography
Valentine Card - Boobs: Whit and Whistle
Love Matches: Pandah
Kate Spade Valentine, Let's Make Out: Bri Emery from Design Love Fest
S'more Love: Event Solutions
Funny International Mustache-Language of Love Valentine Card: Dawn2Dusk Design

Image: Beverly & Pack

Now go smooch your pooch!!
~xoXoXOxo~

Make a Statement with Barware

Image: Charles Dickens Fine Jewelry

This is the barware that the hubs and I picked out for our wedding registry about four years ago. If my personality could be cloned into barware, this would be it.  Fun, funky and bubbly all wrapped up in a one package deal.  There's only one problem... I hate it!  You know that irritating behavior that you possess that, let's be honest, kinda even drives yourself crazy?  Well let's just say, I'm ready to give this barware the cold shoulder.  If it gets too cold it cracks.  Too hot it cracks.  Sitting in the cabinet being ignored all together... CRACK!  Who knew barware could have such a bad temperament?  The set above is made by TAG, which for the most part carries a great product. Let me be clear, I LOVE TAG!!  However, this barware has to go!

Images: here and here

Fun and funky can always win my heart, but this time around I am on a search for something a little more sophisticated, a bit more glam.  This weekend I stopped by one of my favorite stores, TJ Maxx, and spotted Lauren by Ralph Lauren Barware in Aston for quite the steal!

Image: Macy's

Aren't they pretty!?!  Best part, the highballs were only about $7.00 a pop.  You can also find the
Lauren Ralph Lauren Four Aston Highballs on Amazon  for $50.00, which is a great deal in comparison to Macy's $130.00 price tag.

I also get a hankering for anything in cobalt blue.  I lurve the Classic Lismore (above) by Waterford!  These will never be in my price range! 

Image:  Pinterest

Cobalt, however, really has a way of peacocking itself right off the bar cart, don't ya think?

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Erica on Pinterestt

You Have Incredible Taste!

I really needed to hear this... I hope you find it just as inspiring.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of my faithful readers. This blogging business could not be possible without you. YOU are inspiring! YOU have great taste!  And if you're new here, I hope YOU stay awhile!!!

THANK YOU!!

~XoXO~

Happy Chinese New Year!

People around the world today will be celebrating the Chinese New Year welcoming the Year of the Dragon.  I do not know much about the culture and history of the Chinese New Year, but I do have a healthy appreciation for ancient Chinese design.    

I spotted this Foo Dog while shopping at Packards Antiques in Huntsville, Alabama over the Christmas holidays (note the tree).  I thought it was absolutely fabulous!  I wish I would have checked the price!  If I could get it past airport security without it shattering to pieces, it would be guarding my apartment now.

Here's a game you can play when your slumming through your Monday morning blues.  Can you spot the Foo!?!

Kristy Lee Interiors...

Photo: Kristy Lee Interiors

Naomi at Design Manifest...

Photo: Design Manifest

Cullman and Kravis... you just can't miss it! 

Photo: Pretty Pink Tulips via Juba Life  

Miles Redd...

Photo via Sketch 42 Blog

Ruth Summers on the cover of her book... 

Photo via Sweet Chameleon

I have a dream... Painted Floors

Whoa!  Where'd you guys go!?  It's been weeks if not months since we last spoke.  Ok, maybe that's a bit my fault {totally my fault}.  After the holidays, I crash!  Onto recovery!  After being spoiled in Alabama, I am forced to come back to Pennsylvania only to be submerged in my career.  Day jobs...pshh.  Who needs them?  {I do!}  Speaking of careers, I hope you are all off enjoying this beautiful holiday in honor of a truly great man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr!  Jason had to go to school... what's up with that?   If you are interested in ways you can serve and are in the Philadelphia area, go here.

Long weekends like these give me time to take a good look at my unconventional apartment and start dreaming up ways to make this challenging space swoon worthy!  Like say... painted floors!

Source: racheleisner.com via Donna on Pinterest

I wonder if my landlord would go for it!?  Highly unlikely, but it's fun to dream!  What are you dreaming up for your space?  Feel free to send me an email with pics and I'd love to share!

A Very Merry Discount... Leopard Flats

One thing that I love about the holidays is finding a great bargain! I've been eyeballing leopard flats for a while now.  As usual, I can rarely afford my own taste (what's new?) like these Kate Spade drool worthy flats.

The shoe above is the Kate Spade Eryn flat that is currently on sale online for $135.  However, most major department stores still have them priced for over $200.   I'm not one to spend over $100 on flats much less $200!!!  That's why when I spotted this look alike by Adrienne Vittadini at Belk for a 70% off discount... I couldn't resist.  

The detail is a bit different, but all-in-all, in my opinion, this is a very merry discount!

I hope you are all having a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

Treat Yo Self!

Design Crush: BDG Style

One of the greatest joys of blogging is discovering fellow bloggers who are just as much in love with design as I am, if not more (is that possible?).  Most of these design lovers are fortunate enough to have their own design business or are in the process of beginning their journey into the design world.  Ummm, can we say, "Jealous!?!"  In my dreams.... maybe one day that dream will be a reality!  Until then, I would like to share with you one of my newly discovered design crushes, Alison Royer of BDG Style, and check it --- girl will be featured on the Nate Berkus Show this Wednesday!!  Here's a sneak peek that Alison posted on her blog.

Photo Courtesy: BDG Style

I love this design!  Lots of neutrals with the perfect amount of POP!  Don't let anyone tell you to not mix creams and whites!!  And if they argue with you, just show them this picture!  Don't you just love it!?

I discovered Alison's blog while perusing around Pinterest (you know you're obsessed), and this is what I discovered...

Source: bdgstyle.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

All you "seasoned" readers may recall my obsession with orange when I posted my rug dilemma (which is now remedied) a few January's ago.  My apartment is always in a "work-in-progress" stage, so don't judge!  But don't you just love the color combos above!?!  Schumacher Chiang Mai fabric has been HOT for a while now, and if I do say so myself, a bit overkill (Blasphemy!).  We still love it though!  Especially with the mix of patterns that Alison put together!  Please come decorate my apartment!  

Solid orange pillow, check!  Neutral couch, check!  Schumacher Chiang Mai pillows, hello Etsy!

The pair above are available at PillowMood's Esty shop.  Now, I hope that's enough for your design fix. I know I really needed one.  See more here at BDG Style's blog!  Also, be sure to tune into the Nate Berkus Show on Wednesday, December 21st at 3pm PST on NBC to see Alison in action!

Special thanks to Alison at BDG Style for letting me share about her mad design skills!

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Fabric Choices... Galbraith and Paul, Anyone?

One thing I need to be sure to put on my new years resolutions list is to familiarize myself with beautiful textiles!!  And where better to start than with one of Philadelphia's very own, Galbraith & Paul.  Can you tell that I love local businesses?  I really am a sucker for it.  You may recall seeing Galbraith & Paul textiles in Style at Home's May 2009 From A to Zoo article. Yes, I know that was ages ago, but these little birds have decided to stick around my friends!

Photo: Daniel Harrison via Style at Home

Mark your calendars, cause a sample sale awaits you!!  Fortunate for us, Galbraith & Paul is only a hop-skip away to 116 Shurs Lane in Manayunk.  The sample sale will begin on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 5pm. 

Source: Galbraith and Paul

I owe it to my friend Laura Flavin from Modern Bird Jewelry to thank for this helpful tip!  Not only will the sample sale include fabrics, but you may also be fortunate enough to score some fabulous wallpaper at a whopping discount!

Source: galbraithandpaul.com via Cathe on Pinterest

I'm really hoping to find some fabric to spruce up my farmhouse chairs that were a curb steal back in October.  I'm thinking the Seville Medallion (bottom left from samples above) may make the cut.

Guest Post : Phila Flea Markets

When Tony from Phila Flea Markets contacted us about posting the upcoming indoor flea markets events, we said, "Abso-fleamarket-lutely!"  I am so grateful that there is a place for me to get my flea market "fix" in the cold winter months.  I mean just look at what you can create with flea market finds!

Source: twighome.com via Jessica on Pinterest

  Have you decorated a room in your home with flea market finds?  We'd love to hear about it!  Email us at thetinyabode@gmail.com for a chance to be featured!  Here's what Tony has to say... 

PHILA FLEA MARKETS PRESENTS

THE SPRING GARDEN INDOOR FLEA MARKET

If you liked the Faimount Flea Market around the Prison.......
If you found some really cool treasures at The South Street Flea Market This Past Spring & Summer........
Then You'll Love The Spring Garden Indoor Antique & Vintage Flea Market This Fall & Winter
More than 60 Vendors Featuring Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Furniture, Jewelry, Glassware, Pottery, Art Work, One Of A Kind Items You Won't Find Anywhere Else & Just Plain Fun Junque!
Go On A Treasure Hunt! Bargains Galore!

Indoors - Now every Saturday thru April, 28, 2012
8AM til 4PM But Early Birds Welcome!

The Former Fed-Ex Warehouse
820 Spring Garden Street (9th & Spring Garden) 19123
Free Parking / Free Admission / ATM / Food Court / Handicap Accessible

Tony

215 - 625 - FLEA (3532)
www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Hope to see you this Saturday!!!

Thanks for sharing, Tony!  Check out more of our flea market finds here!

Be Thankful! Plus Gilt Giveaway Announcement!!

I have so much to be thankful for this year!  In the past two weeks, I have made more connections with fellow bloggers and designers than I have over the past two years!  I am very grateful for every reader that finds The Tiny Abode worthy of reading!  Blogging has definitely been a growing process for me, and by no means came easy.   It took a really long time to get a grasp on my aesthetic... and it's still changing, but I feel like I am closer than I have ever been before.  Below, is a picture of a Thanksgiving table that was put together from Naomi at Design Manifest.  Naomi was one of the very first bloggers I started following from Philadelphia, and might I add... she's got mad skillz! 

  

Source: designmanifest.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

So thank you ALL for the follows and support!!!  And now it's time to announce the lucky winner of the $25 Gilt gift card giveaway!!  Is it weird that I'm nervous!?  We're using Random.org to choose the winner.  Congratulations lucky number... 7, Stacy!!!

Design Sponge at Anthropologie!!

Eeeeeeee!!!  I'm very excited that Grace Bonney from Design Sponge is making her way back to Philadelphia to one of my (and I'm sure your) favorite places on earth, Anthropologie.  

Image: Design Sponge

I missed the first book signing at Terrain, *sigh*, but now I have another chance to get my new book (which I purchased from Vintage Now at Fete Noel) signed by Ms. Grace herself!   Not only is this a book signing event, but it's also a Wreath-Making Workshop!!  How fun is that!?  And you know how we here at The Tiny Abode are starving artist, and how I work in Early Childhood Education by day... yeah that stuff.  Well, we are happy to hear that they will be supporting a local charity, Fresh Artists, by requesting donations of new art supplies such as pens, markers, crayons, etc. for art education.  If this is anything like the Oh Joy workshop we went to August, tickets will likely sell-out in just a couple of days (if not hours)!!  If you are interested in reserving a spot sign-up here.

I realllly hope I can make it!!

A Little Gilt Groupe Giveaway!!

Wanna get your hands on a Gilt Groupe gift card just in time for Black Friday deals?  Awesome, cause we got one for you!  That's right, one lucky reader will be receiving a $25 Gilt Groupe gift card on us!!

Gilt Groupe is an online retail shop that provides insider access to designer brands at a fraction of the cost.  You could seriously do ALL your holiday shopping at this site alone.  Gilt Groupe offers apparel for men, women and children, items for the home and even deals on travel!

Here are a few items I'm currently smitten over: 

Photos: Gilt Groupe

This may seem a little counterintuitive after yesterday's post, but who couldn't use a little extra dough this time of year?  Okay, so here's what you've got to do in order to win!  First, you must be a follower of The Tiny Abode (just go to the right of the page and click "Join this site" under "Blog Stalking is FUN").  Go to Gilt Groupe online and tell me what you would purchase if you won by leaving a comment below (one entry).  For an extra entry, follow the The Tiny Abode on Facebook or Twitter and leave an additional comment below (second entry).   Please be kind and do not leave more than two comments.  The giveaway will be open until Thursday, November 24th and the winner will be announced the same day.

Holiday Pledge... Shop Local!

This season, I have been doing a lot of thinking about where I will be purchasing presents for my ever growing Christmas list.   Should I just go to the mall and knock it out with one trip?  Possibly online... I love private sales!  Or should I wait and just cram all Christmas shopping in the day before Christmas Eve?  Crazy, I know, but we fly home to Alabama, and sometimes it makes sense to go this route.  Shipping can get expensive!!

Source: inslee.net via Robin on Pinterest

Last week I enjoyed Fete Noels' pop-up shop so much in Chestnut Hill, that I thought, "This is it!  Shop local and support small businesses!"  Hello!?  Of course!  I'm sure many of you already support local businesses and avoid the King of Prussia mall like the plague during the holidays!!  Being married to an artist, I should really have this mastered by now.  However, for me, going to the mall creates a nostalgia that I yearn for this time of year.  Regardless, I am pledging to show my support this holiday season at a more local level.

Source: tchochkes.com via Whitney on Pinterest

So, my friends, I would like to encourage you to also shop local!  One way you can do this is by supporting the Pop-Up Shops that are literally popping up all over Philly!  This weekend The Little Apple will be hosting Meadow Sweet Vintage at their shop in Manayunk.  You may remember Meadow Sweet Vintage from Clover Market (the most fabulous flea market of the year).

So go get your vintage groove on and support small businesses! 

 Photo: Meadow Sweet Vintage

Also, be sure to come back and visit The Tiny Abode tomorrow.  We'll be announcing a fab giveaway!!

A Sunday Afternoon

Sunday's are my absolute favorite... a nice cup of coffee, lounging on the couch, catching up with favorite blogs.  I'm telling you, Sunday's are fantastic here at The Tiny Abode.  On this Sunday afternoon I'll be spending my afternoon (at least a full hour of it) catching up on two of my favorite online magazines: Lonny and House of Fifty.  I am absolutely in love with this gold glitz animal print wrapping paper in Lonny, but I have no idea where to buy it!

Source: lonnymag.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I'm sure all you craftsters out there could just happily make it yourself.  But I'm a proclaimed BIY-er (buy-it-yourself)!!  So if any of you are up for making it, I would be happy to purchase!

On another note, today is Ann Taylor's last day for their Friend's and Family sale!  Yesterday Jason took me to the King of Prussia mall (God love him) and I came home with two Ann Taylor shirts for a total of $11.00!!!  I couldn't believe it!

Here's what I got: 

The one on the left is the Palm Print Halter that originally sells for $78 and the one on the right is the Ballet Neck Striped that originally sells for $32.  I think both will look great with my black linen blazer that I sport weekly.  For your 40% off savings just type in FRIENDS at check-out or print your coupon here.

Weekend Recap... Splurge @ Fete Noel

So remember that pop-up store I told you about?
Totally worth it!!

Seriously, I highly recommend stopping by Fete Noel's pop-up store in Chestnut Hill.  So much eye candy!

I was swooning over this chair, but maybe that's because it looks so yummy with all the other teal accents.  Who am I kidding?  The chair is great, and can definitely stand on it's own.  I mean seriously, I would kill to know how to reupholster like that!

Unfortunately, the chair and I had to part ways.  I don't have that type of cash, Honey!  However, I did come home with the much overdue Design Sponge at Home book by the infamous Grace Bonney.

Photo: Design Sponge

I know, I know.  Shame on me for not having it months ago.  WHAT was I thinking!?  Check out the details here.  Definitely worth adding to your Christmas wish list.

P.S. If you are the vendor of the swoon worthy chair, please shoot me an email.  I would love to give you proper credit.

Jump Start the Holidays... Pop-UP @ Fete Noel!

So we're a day late.  Technically two since today will be over in approximately 3.5 hours.  However, we figured you were all busy at work today (being the professionals that you are), sooo technically we're right on time!  Right?  

Just go with it. 

Chestnut Hill, one of our faaavorite neighborhoods in Philly, will be hosting a "pop-up shop," Fete Noel!  Right in the old Margarity Car Dealership lot at 8200 Germantown Ave., you'll be able to find a gift for everyone on your holiday list.  Women and children's clothing, jewelry, stationary, terrariums, gifts for the home, etc., etc. ETC!!!  Even our friends from Vintage Now will be celebrating this holiday season early!  

For a full vendor list please visit Fete Noel.

Hope you pop-up!!

Konfor... That's Turkish for Comfort

It's officially turkey season, y'all!!  What better way to celebrate than with a traditional Kilim rug?  A rug is an essential part of any home.  It is what brings a room together and defines a space.  It creates a mood and gives a room much needed character.

 So I say, forget the turkey,  I want a Kilim!  

Both of these rugs can be found on Ebay here and here.

And if you haven't heard, they look stunning in any kitchen!

Photo: House Beautiful

I'm really trying to convince my friend, whose kitchen needs a quick pick me up, to forgo the Home Depot bargain and instead buy something a little more aged.