Metallic Pumpkins

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New York Spots To Try

One of my favorite things about being in a city like New York are that there are so many restaurants to try. Surprisingly, it's actually pretty hard to find a great restaurant based just upon Yelp and OpenTable reviews, which is why I've been relying on friends suggestions...and why I'm sharing my favorites with you.

Upstate (EAST VILLAGE)- I lucked out and this restaurant is right down the street from my apartment making it one of my go-tos. I love their fresh oysters, happy hour deal (1/2 dozen oysters and a beer for $12 from 5-7), and the fact that their specials switch up since they order daily from the market.

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My favorite from this visit were are of course the oysters, the 1/2 cheese and 1/2 meat plate, and the crab cake special. The special was TO DIE FOR. Which is huge for me to say, since I'm really not a crab cake fan.

Apotheke (Chinatown) - My very trendy friend (thanks Sarah) introduced me to this place in Chinatown. We went there first on a Wednesday during their Prohibition night complete with a password entry, jazz and classic drinks (highly recommend the Peg Flip).

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This past weekend, we went and got the Deal Closer. It was delicious, light and fresh and so delicious that we drank ours too fast for me to get a picture, so here's one from the bar's Facebook page. (Yes, it was that good)

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The Standard Grill (Meatpacking District)  - This last spot was a recommendation from a coworker.

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My picks from this spot - are the oysters , the scallops and the lamb paired with the Melville Pinot Noir.

Would love to hear if you have any recommendations of New York places to try!

Hair

You'd think being in a city like New York you'd want to get all of your beauty, fashion and style needs taken care of right here. In fact, I know people that have moved to Atlanta and continued to save their hair needs for their trips back the NYC.

For me, I am extremely picky about my hair, so veering away from my Atlanta stylist was not an option. Until...my hair got WAY too long. Going off recommendations from friends at work, I found Shampoo on Avenue B.

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It was awesome!! I love that they used Bumble & Bumble products, they served beer during your cut, and I loved my haircut at the end. It's hours range from 11AM - 10PM depending upon the day of the week, which makes it really easy for after work and weekend appointments. For first time customers, there's also a $25 off a $50 purchase on Yelp!

My stylist, Erik, also gave me a great recommendation on hair products. I didn't end up getting my Bumble & Bumble from the salon, because Bumble & Bumble's site has a great deal going on right now if you need new shampoo and conditioner. Here are my goodies I got - 3 free samples and free overnight shipping!

Have a favorite NYC salon or favorite hair products?

Quotes // Who couldn't use an outlook check...

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Bedroom Makeover - Impromptu IKEA hack

So the other night, all this IKEA hack talk finally got to me. A few months ago I bought the IKEA Hemnes black-brown night stand, but once I made my navy blue headboard I wasn't the biggest fan of the black and blue combo. So I decided to take a very impulsive stab at redoing my IKEA nightstand.

I picked up some handles from Anthropologie, and used some gold acrylic paint I had left over from my last painting project,

And volia! My new beside table:

I didn't sand my nightstand before painting, but the paint seems to be sticking to the wood. I'm hoping no chipping happens and am planning on adding modge podge as a protective coating, so I'll let you know how that works out.

Here's the before and after:

I'm really happy with the change! The new nightstand is a similar color to this Urban Outfitters nightstand I was eyeing earlier this year.

Have you done an IKEA hack or have one on your to-do list?

Hump Day Home Makeover - DIY Rug

I've had quite a few friends reach out to me recently for rug advice, so I thought this would be a great topic for this week's hump day home makeover.

One of the things that I think makes buying a new rug so hard is the cost. If you're just looking for a cute rug to cover your apartment floor for a year or two it's hard to justify the $1,000+. So since I'm on a 'I could make that for less' kick, this week I wanted to share some awesome DIY rug projects from a few bloggers who have merged two of my current favorite trends in design - DIY for less and IKEA hacks! 

This Greek key rug is my favorite (and most likely my weekend project). I have been dying for a Greek key rug and much like Jen from Tatertots & Jello have only been able to find them out of my price range. Jen managed to pull off the rug below for only $80!!

DIY Greek Key Rug - Tatertots & Jello

This rug is from Design Sponge, and only cost $60!

DIY painted geometric rug - Design Sponge 

This rug was under $100.

project and photo credit - Mason Jar Champagne

This rug is probably my second favorite (but I'm sure that has something to do with the room's decorating!) 

DIY geometric rug - Pudel-Design 

Columbus Day At Pawleys Island

This weekend I spent a much needed long weekend at the lovely Pawleys Island. Not only did we get to spend 2 days on the beach pretending it was still summer, but we also got to end every day with a beautiful sunset over the marsh.

Okay, but seriously, I cannot get enough of this place.

I know I'm now design obsessed, when I saw the pluff mud in the marsh and my first thought was how popular slate gray is now! ha.

If you are planning a trip to Pawley's Island, there a few things you can't miss (besides the sunset). Check out Seaview Inn for breakfast, Landolfi's for lunch, Outback at Franks and Chive Blossom for dinner - or if you're cooking at home - the Pawley's Island Seafood Market and vegetable stand on highway 17.

Hump Day Home Makeover // Pattern Play with Josef Frank

This week's Hump Day Home Makeover will help you bring some pop to any room. This week I discovered Josef Frank. Yet another Austrian artist (Gustav Klimt being the first), whose work I love.

Who's Josef Frank? He was an Austrian architect, designer, painter, and founder of Swedish modernism, who produced over 200 patterns from 1909 to 1950. He was also a lover of botany, which I definitely think shows in his nature inspired, vine-like, modern designs. His patterns are fresh and different from a lot of patterns I've seen recently and work as the focal point to any room.

source -  fabric Aralia

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source - fabric Teheran

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source - fabric Celon

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So how can you get the look?

From what I've seen his textiles are pretty expensive, but luckily IKEA has picked up this Swedish modernism in many of their items...or you could splurge for the real thing. Here are some items I found, most of which are sold at Just Scandinavian:

1. Etsy - Josef Frank Notturno Fabric Pillow  | 2. Just Scandinavian - Josef Frank Aramal, Red Fabric | 3. Bonaluxat - Josef Frank Armchair 969  |4. Just Scandinavian - Josef Frank Paradiset, Black Wallpaper  | 5. Just Scandinavian - Josef Frank Brazil Pillow

Bold vine-like patterns are also popping up across the fashion world - as seen with Tibi's print - Belle.

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Left -  Marie Anderson of Blame It On Fashion
Right - Hedvig Opshaug of The Northern Light. 

What do you think - Is a pop of pattern for your home, closet or both?