Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's day is only a couple weeks away! I've narrowed down a list of ten gotta have gifts for every mom in your life -- grandmothers, sisters, aunts, mother-in-laws, best friends, the list goes on. I actually was thinking of all the moms in my life when I made this list! You can either buy one of these gift ideas or make a gift basket of a few -- there's no rule to this thing. No matter what budget you have, any of these items are sure to put a smile on your loved ones' face.

1 // homegrown monogram mug /$8 / anthropologie / I've had my eye on these cute lil mugs for a while (for myself though) so I've always thought they would made a sweet gift.

2 // complete garden kit / $24.95 / crate and barrel / for those green thumb momma's in your life, this petite garden kit is the perfect gift -- or even a set of planters or tools to use for plants she already has.

3 // kate spade java place large natalie make up bag / $148 / kate spade / What girl wouldn't love a new designer make up bag? This one is especially perfect for those who also travel often. Add a few of their favorite make-up items in for an extra gift!

4 // golden shadow swarovski crystal expandable bracelet / $68 / alex & ani / I have to say I've been a fan of alex & ani for a while and their jewelry keeps getting better. I know my mom loves swarovski (plus she already has a million "mom" pieces of jewelry) so this simple yet meaningful bracelet does the trick! 

5 // darcia throw / $49.80 / lulu & georgia / Why not get something your loved one can cuddle into? I know I love lounging with a cozy throw...more so when it's one of my favorite colors with a timeless pattern. My mom loves her blue so if I was shopping for my mom, I would choose this one. Lulu & Georgia are known for their accessories -- so many more great options on the website.

6 // metallic burst box, small or large / $39-63 sale / west elm / One of the cutest jewelry boxes I've ever seen. Not only will it hold all your loved one's jewelry but is also pretty to look at.

7 // teavana gift set / $70 / teavana / For those tea lovers out there (like me). I love teavana tea. This set comes with their top sellers.

8 // rose rewind candle / $28 / rewind candles / okay people, this one is a must have if your loved one loves wine AND candles. I mean that's a no brainer. But even if they don't, they will still love the scent of this rose candle! I have this candle (not a wine drinker) and I've given as a gift because it just smells so good. All rewind scents are amazing but this one is my favorite.

9 // everyday leather tote / $199 / mark & graham  / Every girl loves a handbag. These handbags are so simple yet can be personalized which makes them an even better gift idea.

10 // rosewater hand and nail set / $20 / crabtree & evelyn / Growing up my grandmother would love her some crabtree & evelyn, even till this day. Handcream and nailpolish are on a girls top ten favorite things. Can't go wrong.

If you weren't sure what to get anyone for mother's day, I hope I gave you some good ideas! Stay tuned for my next post and for more design/art inspiration check out my instagram @laurenmaiorana :)

Xo,

Dream Outdoor Oasis

Okay -- summer is right around the corner people! I mean, for me it's pretty much been summer since February living in SoCal (sorry my east coast loves). If you don't know already, I currently reside in 800 square feet of space in our 1 bedroom apartment in Orange County and that's including our patio. So, you can't blame me for coming up with my dream outdoor oasis, right? Plus, working at west elm and being around all the summer floorset has me dreaming every day at work. Now about this post -- I've chose some great finds from some of my favorite stores >> Anthropologie, west elm, cb2, One Kings Lane & more. See below for links to each item! 

1 // iris chevron planter and stand / $129 for medium size / west elm 
2 //markua outdoor sectional and table set / $1,299 / one kings lane
3 // outdoor idriss print lumbar pillow / $59.50 / pottery barn
4 // portland lanterns / $49 each / z gallerie
woven round rattan tray / $59 / west elm
5 // ja dora maar planter / $795 / jonathan adler
6 // huron lounge chair / $594 sale / west elm
huron ottoman / $195 sale / west elm
banana leaf outdoor lumbar pillow / $43 / home decorators
7 // magical thinking hand-knotted hanging planter / $29 / urban outfitters
8 // tam tam side table / $98 / urban outfitters
9 // saddlestitch all weather area rug 53x76" / $89 / home decorators
10 // sophia silver dining chair / $85 / cb2
11 // fuze gray bistro table / $599 / cb2
12 // john vogel teak lounger / $1,299 / west elm
13 // remy ceramic side table - white / $119.99 sale / west elm
14 // faceted lanterns / $39-49 / west elm

I'm seriously in love with it all. I know I chose many neutrals and not a lot of bold colors but that's nothing you couldn't switch up with some decor. I just love the relaxed vibe that these pieces have when put together.  The John Vogel teak loungers are probably my must have piece of them all! Which part is your favorite??





Xo,

My New Art Series

Hi there! I've been working on some new art pieces as a new series of mine. It is inspired by my love for abstract art, color and the boho/tribal design style. Each one is 100% authentic. I've also updated my Etsy store with a new design and newly added pieces >> Check my Etsy store out here. Here's a sneak peek of my new series!

Thanks for stopping by -- don't forget to check out my new etsy store and if you want to browse more of my artwork click on my art page above! If you'd be interested in one of these pieces or a one-of-a-kind piece message me through my contact page! 

Xo,

Anthropologie for the Win

Happy hump day everyone! I happened to be going through some photos saved on my computer and found so many items from Anthropologie that I'm in love with. I've always loved the eclectic/boho/relaxed style that Anthro brings to the table. Lucky for you guys, they are all still available on their website -- I added a few new items I found while browsing the website. I swear if I could afford to purchase everything I wanted from Anthro it might be quite dangerous. Here are some of my favorite finds:

1) Yalova Duvet Cover / In love with the motif on this duvet. Lay a solid 

colored coverlet on top like pictured above and it balances out all the 

pattern and texture to create a look that's jumping into bed worthy.

2) Hexagonal Mirror Shelves Set of 2 / Loving the antiqued mirrored look on these

two cuties. They are just as pretty as functional.

3) Flutura Pouf / I just love poufs. They're so versatile -- great as an ottoman

to keep your feet up or use as extra seating when you have company. 

4) Kansai Bookcase / It's not everyday that you can find an attractive circular

bookcase (if you have, I'd love to see!). 

5) Resin-Coated Pine Side Table / My heart tends to gravitate towards raw, 

natural, handmade pieces so of course I had to add this cute-as-heck

stool/side table to the list. The resin added to the raw wood adds such character

and each is one-of-a-kind. 

6) Sundial Mirror / This round brass mirror is 36in in diameter -- perfect for an entryway, 

over a sofa or bed, or to fill that empty wall space that you have no idea what to do 

with. I'd say this could be used in a bathroom as well over a vanity. It sure does add

instant style -- so many options to choose from! Where would you put it?

7) Bangala Armchair / Black and white patterns are also a weakness of mine ever

since I can remember. I love the large and small mix of pattern and the natural looking,

tapered legs that fit the style of the chair so well. This is one of those "one day" pieces for me.

8) Textured Stillwater Rug / Finding a shag/textured rug in a soft natural color can be easy, but finding "the" rug is a whole different story. This rug is so simple yet adds an instant 

design element and having something cozy and stylish to step on in your home

isn't a bad thing either!

9) Embroidered Medina Curtains / You can't see the detail all that well in this photo but it 

is definitely worth taking a second look on the website. Turquoise motifs are quite my 

thing, especially when they are handwoven. They also come in a white embroidery 

that I can see being just as gorgeous, too! But I just love a splash of color and curtains are a good place to bring that in and tie together a space.

10) Deco Inlay Nightstand / Another one of those black and white motif situations -- can

you blame me? The odd shape of this nightstand is what draws me to it even more. 

I can picture this piece in a living room set up as well. 

11) Geometria Wall Clock / I love turquoise. The patina look of this clock interests me.

It's beautiful and functional!

Hope you enjoyed this eye candy as much as I did! Stay tuned for my next post on what

outdoor pieces you are going to want this summer. Follow me on my instagram for more inspiration @laurenmaiorana :)

Xo,

DIY Abstract Art

Hello everyone :) One more day to get through until the weekend! Except for me, I work this weekend but today was one of my days off. I had some free time so I decided to get back into painting and create a tutorial for you all.  Abstract art is huge right now and although it takes some skill really anyone can create an amazing piece of art! If you follow me on instagram @laurenmaiorana you already saw my sneak peek of the finished product. Here is the how to:

Materials: 

blank canvas

scraping tool

thin 1/2 inch paint brush

cup for water to clean brush

white paint

any 3-4 paint colors of choice

paper plate or easel

First, start by painting the blank canvas white. This is going to be the background color. Even though a canvas is already white, it's amazing how much of a difference a fresh coat of white paint will make. 

Next, decide what few colors you want to use. I chose a magenta, gold and apricot. 

Then, squirt the paint somewhat randomly  - don't use too much in one spot, you will be scraping it around the canvas. Remember, you can always add more.

Then scrape the paint around in different directions. Now this is the part that takes some skill. It's not difficult but just try your best.

Scrape and add some more paint if needed until it will kind of look like this...

You can add more paint or another color if you would like and call it day or like you will see here you can add another element by creating dotted lines in the white areas. Now, put some black paint on a paper plate or an easel if you have one. Wet the small paintbrush to get the bristles loose, dip in the black paint and start to create some dotted lines. I totally made mine up. This is where you can really get creative...

And there you have it! Follow me on pinterest (lauren_maiorana) and on instagram @laurenmaiorana for some more design and art inspiration! 

Xo,

Favorite One Kings Lane Outdoor Finds

While I was going through sites to create my next post for you, I came across too many amazing One Kings Lane outdoor pieces and I just had to share! From dining to lounging they have it covered. Some of them are super good deals and others may be worth the splurge. 

allan 4-pc outdoor set, natural / $869

king size forest hammock / $99

markua outdoor sectional and table set / $1,299

outdoor mashpee chaise / $299

savannah bed swing 63" / $4,299

colorblock patio umbrella 84" / $299

cary 6-pc dining set / $1,249

marco 5-pc dining set / $899

brooke outdoor pouf, light green / $159

Pretty nice, huh? All I have to say is one day I will have a bed swing :) Check out One Kings Lane's website here to see SO many more great outdoor pieces. Stay tuned for my next outdoor post! 

Xo,