Join Me

I've made the hop, skip & a jump over to another website. 

Come play with me here. 

You won't regret it. 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

(Image)

More & More Gold.

Who doesn't love chic & fun drinking glasses, right? Right. With a stash of 250 Mason jars, I was determined to incorporate these fun drinking cups into our New Years Eve, Black Tie wedding. Cue the gold spray paint....again. Oh ya baby...gold spray paint works magic! 

This is a beyond easy DIY. All you need is a mason jar, gold spray paint & ribbon + some extra time (easily the hardest ingredient to acquire in this recipe). 

Instructions: 

-Keep the lids tight on the jars (this protects the interior and top section from paint). 

-Flip jars upside down, so lid is facing down. 

-Line jars on a table covered in a paint cloth. 

-Spray about 12" away from jar, covering all surfaces. 

 * I used Design Masters 731 Gold. 

-Touch ups may be required along bottom portion. 

-Let dry. 

-Remove lid & tie ribbon.  

Voila! It's always in the details & these chic mason jars are so much more adorable than regular, old drinking glasses. 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

PS. I love the last photo for many reasons, one being that the "M" in "Mr." fell off. Just goes to show not all weddings are perfect, but in the end...nobody cares :) 

Photography by Niki Rhodes. 

PDX>SLT

(Image)

You know when you just need to escape and leave whatever current city you're in? Whether it's driving an hour south or hoping on a plane, getting out of your comfort zone & daily routine can be so refreshing. I'm off for a hot minute to South Lake Tahoe with the family (fam-vacay, woot!) this weekend. I have a serious soft spot in my heart for Tahoe; it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to and one of my favorite cities in the entire world. Having grown up frequently visiting our family home in SLT, I have fond memories from summers & winters in this beautiful little haven.

I've come to discover how truly refreshing traveling can be. I've always had a travel bug in me and never stop wishing I was frolicking around Italy or eating crepes in Paris or swimming in Thailand...I don't think I've ever returned from a trip without dragging my feet back home. It's an issue sometimes...why can't a girl just travel her whole life? Oh wait, ya I kinda need an income.

So, a 3 day trip to Tahoe will suffice! The mere act of boarding a plane gets me all jazzed, regardless of how many times I've been on one or where I am going. I am looking forward to truly un-plugging and spending quality, albeit short, time with my family.

How do you recharge and un-plug?

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

PS. Thailand pictures coming soon! 

Vintage Finds

Portland has some pretty darn good vintage stores. As of late, I've been spending lazy Sundays perusing these said stores. The amount of goodies I dreamt of bringing home is much larger than what actually came home, but alas I am still pumped about my recent finds. 

A Knight helmet ice bucket...seriously?! If this is not the coolest vintage piece I've ever scored, then I don't know what is.

Someday, I'll serve home-made cappuccino's to over-night guests after their stay in an immaculate guest bedroom equipped with spa quality bathrobes & organic soap. Until then, these itty-bitty cappuccino cups will sit pretty in my cupboard for me to stare at. 

I didn't impulsively buy this vase at first & I am thankful it was still available a whole week later...sure sign it belonged to me! I love it's girly qualities and it's the perfect low vase to set on a dresser or nightstand.

Oh, the Man Chair. As I currently sit in this beauty, I have been engulfed by it's perfectly worn in cushions. This is the furniture vintage find-of-the-century...because it was only $50. BOOYAH! Didn't even bat an eye-lash for it. 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

Breezy Mid-Century

(artwork) (lamp) (pillow) (chevron rug) (moroccan trellis rug) (media console) (sofa)

Big news in this newlywed household: we're buying a reaaaal nice media console from Crate & Barrel...adult status fo sho. This has promptly allowed me to finally get rid of the old and slowly bring in the new & fabulous & stylish. With the fancy media cabinet and Mr. Riggar's new vintage Man-Chair grounding our space, I've officially decided our style is "breezy mid-century." Airy & fresh with clean lines and a dash of vintage vibe. Okay, now to translate that into a rug, light, sofa & artwork...

Vintage Man-Chair: check. 

Artwork: check (although, really always in the making...).

Media Console: check. 

I'd like to say we lounge on a B&B Italia Sofa, but currently Ikea is suiting our 700 sq.ft. apartment just fine. That's going to have to wait....

Although designer by trade, this rug situation has me in a stand-still. I adore the beige knotty chevron rug, but I also dream about this Charcoal Moroccan Trellis rug. When I saw Jessica Constable's living room, I knew I had to have that charcoal rug. Until I stumbled upon the knotty chevron and then I saw how gorgeously Emily Henderson styled a space with a similar rug. 

Considering we'll most likely end up with a light colored sofa in the near future, I think the Charcoal Moroccan Trellis rug is the best option. 

I know you want to give me your opinion....because I know you care just as much about our future rug as I do. So, what do you think? 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

Pantone: Warm Red

I'm having a love affair with this "warm red" color right now. Well, mostly now that I am keeping an eye out for it on furniture. My closet would beg to differ, considering this "warm red" color dominates. The above photos go to show how rad a statement "warm red" furniture piece can be. I adore the eclectic-modern vibe happening in each space. I've spotted a few pieces myself lately, all found in the treasure box that is Lounge Lizard PDX. Eventually a "warm red" furniture piece will be rockin' in my home, but until then I'll keep day dreaming...

Jessica Marx of J.Marx Atelier perfectly combined bold stripes with a bold desk. 

Jenny Komenda of The Little Green Notebook whipped up this gorgeous DIY dresser with new fancy hardware.

A "warm red" desk grounds the funky home office of J.Crew legend, Jenna Lyons. Image found via A Lovely Being from the September 2011 issue of British Vogue. 

How would you incorporate "warm red" into your space? 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy 

Eat Drink Portland: Dick's Kitchen

Dick's Kitchen is new to NW Portland and I could not be happier! The classic diner with milkshakes, cheeseburgers & a bar with red leather stools. Except with gluten-free, vegan & Paleo dining options...this is Portland, people! The "Elvis Burger" is hands-down one of the best burger I have ever eaten. Let that statement sink in! I constitute this to the ridiculously good quality ingredients. It seems simple, right? You will understand when you take your first bite. Their version of french fries are actually air baked & the yam fries are to die for (way better than the still delicious french fries). Also, a Kalhua Milkshake?! Yes, please! Thank you for making "adult milkshakes" so I don't feel like a 6 year-old when only faced with a normal milkshake...which I will order, no matter what. The signature "Dick's-a-rita" combines jalapeno-pinapple infused vodka & tequila with house made sweet & sour. For a "diner" this margarita is far over par in deliciousness and has just enough spice to make it extra special. It's the ultimate trifecta: quick, well priced & ridiculously yummy! 

Carpe Diem, 

Mandy

*Insta-gram photos by me (MandyJae), DK logo photograph by Joseph Bergantine.