TJ Maxx January Finds

Hi all! I hope your 2018 feels as productive as mine so far! Although, there is definitely room for more progress (always). What I've focused on since my last post about bettering myself this year is :

- I've signed up for some technical classes to hone my design skills at NYSID

- I've been working on my portfolio and making great progress 

- I've set an appointment for Invisalign

What I need to do still:

- Set up my personal training sessions at the gym

- Figure out how best to write blog posts consistently and POST THEM (I usually just post things as they come to mind, or what is relevant for me at a certain time - but I'd love to figure out the best method for posting what and when)

- Figure out my best game plan for food prepping and NOT BUYING THAT COFFEE, although I've been doing really well so far!

In the meantime, I'm always browsing for inspiration and product and came across some pretty little finds from the latest TJ Maxx home assortment. As we all know, there are limited quantities and they can become unavailable at any time. I've come up with my top 10 finds - which is your favorite?? 

1 / BP Industries Mango Wood Console / $139.99

2 / Jofran Rattan Chairs Set of 2 / $179.99!!

 

3 / UMA Galvanized Metal And Wood Table / $79.99

4 / Made in Italy Chessboard with Drawer / $79.99

5 / Stylecraft Side Table with Storage / $199.99

6 / Chanel and Louis Vuitton Coffee Table Books / $24.99 + $59.99

7 / Tainoki Patterned Fabric Bench / $99

8 / Urban Trends Sunburst Mirror / $39.99

9 / Jofran Leather Side Chair / $299.99

10 / Siena Faux Succulent Plant / $12.99

I am loving all of these, especially since some are just super unique like the acacia wood chessboard set! I also love how you can get some really amazing coffee table books, and faux plants that are perfect for adding some no-maintenance greenery. So many more options here! 

xo,

Lauren

Design Update: Coffee Tables for my Living Space

Hi! It's been some time...I swear I thought I'd be getting better at posting more often but I am back! My last post was a while back in January and much has happened since then. I've set up my desk area in my bedroom, I've been tackling self-teaching myself AutoCad, and I'm stepping more into design at my job with RH...plus my cute-as-heck Goddaughter is now 10 months old! I have to say, I don't know how some people do it -- working full time, taking classes, have kids, etc. When I have those thoughts, it motivates me even more to go after what I want...now...and not wait. So that is what I am doing. Now, the next step for me in my apartment (yes it's been baby steps for a while but I'm not the only one, right?) is selecting a new coffee table. I've been on the search for a while and it's not that we don't love our coffee table now, but we need a larger one that's in proportion with our sectional that we can eat on -- we rarely use our actual kitchen table. SO...here are some options I've been looking at and I've thrown in a photo to get a better idea of my current space. Which one is your favorite? 

1 / peekaboo acrylic coffee table / cb2 / $279

 I am loving this see through option because it will keep my space 

feeling larger. Lucite can also work with many different design styles which

is great if I want to switch things up although this particular piece

is only 13.5" high and a little low to eat on.

2 / slab marble coffee table / cb2 / $299

I just know this piece will go with everything in my home. The metal base is 

a touch industrial and the marble top keeps it looking chic and classic.

3 / kyra coffee table / crate and barrel / $599

A glass option could work in my space, I especially love the bottom

shelf on this piece. Because we eat on our table so often though

I may need something more durable than glass.

4 / aquitaine coffee table / joss + main / $234

This is a more industrial looking option than I usually would choose but I 

know my boyfriend would love it. The mix of metal and wood would

also go with our space but I am slightly afraid of it making it

too industrial looking because we already have other wood elements.

5 / marble box frame coffee table / west elm / $599

I've always been drawn to this table and I love the contrast of the marble

and bronze base. The base keeps it extra open and I can see myself using 

baskets underneath for storage if I need to. I'm just still a bit skeptical

of marble due to it's porous nature especially when eating and drinking on it.

Lastly, here is our current living room. Our sofa isn't super permanent but it 

does the job and is comfortable. Our current coffee table is the Origami Coffee Table 

from West Elm. I'm debating on switching out our rug also because I prefer a higher, 

softer pile but the boyfriend and I agreed on this flatweave so we went for it. I would love

a coffee table that would stay with us for a while and around $600 or less (including delivery).

Stay tuned to see which one we end up with and comment below if you have 

any recommendations!

XO, 

Lauren 

My Top Californian Finds

It's almost the weekend! I'm just as excited for that as I am about these pieces I'm about to introduce you to. Since moving to California a year and a half ago, I've noticed that handmade items, natural woods, and clean lines is what California is all about -- bringing the natural vibes of the outdoors in. I've rounded up some of my top Californian finds for you to drool over, too. Here are some of my faves:

1 // cedar and moss table lamp / $249 / rejuvenation /

The mid century modern feel with a touch of brass is one of my 

favorite things in this world.

2 // handpainted dusk basket / $48 / anthropologie / I love

baskets -- they are so versatile. I've been seeing many baskets used not

only for storage but as a plant holder. (possible future post I think...)

3 / no 21 / $90 / loomgoods / I love loomgoods. It may be 

a splurge but totally worth it. The mudcloth used is so original and authentic.

4 / tshaj boho pillows cover 20x20in / $50 / etsy / I 

love supporting etsy makers. Tshaj shop has SO many good 

boho pillow finds.

5 / indra rug 3'7''x5'7'' / $239 / lulu & georgia / One of my favorite stores,

ever. This rug has a coastal color scheme with a boho feel. Very Californian.

6 / john vogel bench / $499 / west elm / Another mid-century 

modern vibe with this piece. 

7 / dip dyed stools / $58-$68 / serena & lily / These

stools have always been on my radar. They're one of Serena

and Lily's staple items -- you can use as a side table, in a bathroom, under a console,

so many great uses for this one of a kind piece.

They're all so good! I love supporting local, too. Any chance I get, I love to incorporate the local talent around me. I've had my eye on these pieces for a while -- a girl can dream when she lives in an 800 sq ft apartment. One day! 

Xo,