D.I.Y: Globe Lamps

       Maggie, my friend who snapped these spectacular photos, told me she was moving and letting go of a few items. I know she has good taste in just about every aspect of her life so I knew I'd end up with something amazing. My living room has no overhead lighting and I could always use more floor and table lamps so I was extra excited when Maggie told me she was getting rid of a pair of lights. I saw potential in them instantly and quickly got to work painting and re-accessorizing the lamps using materials mentioned in this post. I ended up with a pair of unique lamps that lend a soft glow and a bit of personality and history to my living room. Here's an outline of how I began:

Before photo.

Tip: Tape carefully, the print can peel off easily from vintage globes. Also, to split the
globe in half, I used an icing spatula and used it as leverage to pop the orb in half. 

After all the paint had dried on both the globe halves and the lamp bases,
I replaced the bulbs, put the lamp together, and added the simple touch
 of a faux pearl to the very tip top of the lamp.

Lucky for me the lamp bases were free (thanks Maggie!) the Globe was $3 @ Salvation Army, gold paint was $5, and the faux pearls were $1 for both. (I added an extra buck for sales tax.) 

Yours,
Nico

Style Feature: Summer Daze!

     My neighbor Fallon (last seen here) showed up at my front door in this summer ready ensemble and I knew I had to take a few photos. I think her vest is a great addition to any wardrobe because the orange color makes it appropriate for year round wear. For the Summer, Fallon wore here vest with a bandeau top but in the Winter I'm sure it would look just as good with a thermal on underneath. 

Small Morsels!

Preview of an upcoming (and exciting!) style post!

      This past week was almost exactly what I needed. Lots of projects to focus on, school work, and short (but sweet!) visits with friends. Busy and productive, but with a certain balance of fun in the mix. I've been feeling really creative with home DIY projects (some that I hope to share in the coming days) and my goal for this week is to spend a bit more time in the kitchen working with the fresh herbs I've been growing and all of the fresh produce that is starting to emerge from my garden! Sunday's are my favorite day of the week and I  hope you all can savor yours as much as I savor mine! 

Vintage radios at local Antique store, Clearwater Bazaar.
(Great spot! Owners are welcome to bargaining)

Cooks Illustrated + fresh lavender that I want to dry and use to season poultry. 

The first radish from my backyard! These babies are SPICY!

Lego candy. The best thing about these edible toys? They actually build and stack!
Find them at Marini's downtown, at the wharf, or boardwalk. 

I couldn't resist a salted soft pretzel + kitschy photo op!

Constructed paper elephant head! I wanted to purchase a do it yourself
 kit but I knew I would end up tearing all my hair out while making it. 

Yours,
Nico

The Gypsy Junk Rescuer Strikes Back!

{Cow skull actually rescued by my boyfriend from Salvation Army}

      For those of you who don't already know this about me, I am a thrift store and bargain junkie. I regularly hunt for clothes at Salvation Army on 50% off days and I'm always looking for inexpensive but practical home items. Over the past few weeks I have been curating an array of interesting pieces and wanted to share some of my treasures and ideas for vintage goods!

I paid 50 cents for this old cheese grater at Salvation Army and spray
painted it a stark white and transformed it into an earring organizer!

I love the classic style of banker's lamps and the green shade adds 
color to my living room. (Another addition to the apartment courtesy 
of my  boyfriend)

Vintage Halston watch ($6) off set by an expensive (and
borrowed from a friend!) nail color, Chanel's "Holiday."

I love when food and fashion collide!

(I've already repurposed one of these in an upcoming DIY project!)

Yours,

Nico

Grill It! with Nico!

      I took these photos a few weeks back while doing some out door grilling with my dad. I loved entertaining the pyromanic within. The food was stellar and I used the left over veggies in a quiche! If you enjoy grilling at home, I suggest you try the simple approach of seasoning boneless and skinless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh chopped rosemary for a basic but utterly tasty meal!

Do you think you'll be grilling this weekend?

Yours,

Nico