DIY Book Bundle

Inspired by an antique book bundle I saw in Ballard Designs, for $18-$25, I decided to create my own, for pennies.  Here's the Ballard Designs version of "Antique Book Bundles."  Click on the photo to be directed to the site for purchase.

Or quickly and easily create your own.  I love books and am hesitant to do any damage to them.  But I have a large quantity of paperback books I had to buy for college in boxes in my basement.  I prefer to have my bookshelves filled with hardcovers, and I know I will never read these books again.  So I thought, if they can make a beautiful display, why not put them to use?


The bundles could not be easier to create.
1. Tear off the front and back covers.
2. Arrange them in stacks.
3. Tie twine around them.


Here's my version.

I displayed them on top of my modular bookshelf/computer desk from Ethan Allen.  On such a large piece, they create a space filler with beautiful texture that looks vintage.

Look for more posts coming soon on how I decorated this large bookshelf.  I mixed new and vintage pieces to create a display with the necessities the work center requires, as well as pieces that are beautiful and have meaning to my family.

Love of Lavender

Lavender is not only one of the most soothing fragrances, it makes a beautiful garden.

It also makes the best tea I've ever had.  Check out serendidpTea's organic lavender tea, and you won't be disappointed.

As you might be able to tell from my profile picture, I have very curly hair.  I fight it and straighten it most of the year.  But my husband prefers it curly, and in the summer months, I give in and let it curl!  "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey writes a convincing argument for why you should let your curls loose and how to care for them.  

Taylor Swift doesn't present a bad argument either with her beautiful, natural curls.

And I love when Sheryl Crow goes curly.

So if you want to give into your natural curl this summer, here's a DIY Lavender Mist that Massey says " not only makes your hair smell like a lavender field in Provence, it's indispensable for cleansing and reviving your curls."  Curly girls out there, try it, and let me know what you think!  She suggests making it in quantities, so you can make enough for 3 spray bottles, to use in the shower or to take with you for on-the-go touch-ups.  These spray bottles from The Container Store are only $1.99/each.  Click on the photo to be directed to their website for purchase.

The recipe:

1/2 gallon water

5 drops pure (not synthetic) lavender essential oil

To make:

1. Fill a large pot with 1/2 gallon of water

2. Cover, bring it to a boil, and simmer for 1 hour to purify.

3. Remove from heat, add lavender oil, stir, and replace lid.

4. Let steep until cool.  Pour into spray bottles and spritz as needed.

Whether for your garden, tea, or hair, lavender has many uses in addition to its calming scent.  Let me know how you use lavender.  I currently use lavender room spray, and I love the way it makes my home smell like an English (or is it French?) garden.

Repurpose Vintage Items

One of the best ways to achieve a truly customized look for your home is to use vintage items in new ways.  It's a great way to add layers of history and beauty to your home and bring new life to old items.


In My Home:
I use an antique mirror as a vanity tray in my master bathroom, where I keep my perfume bottles, my husband's cologne, and my crystal ring holder.  I love the antique touch it adds to my otherwise modern bathroom.

Also in my master bathroom, I use an antique picture frame, with paper behind the glass, to place antique perfume bottles that were my great-grandmother's.  I love the layer of family history and beauty it adds.

In my Etsy shop: 
This is a vintage china creamer and sugar bowl from my Etsy shop.  Click on the photo to be directed to it.  Not only can they be used as intended, but they make lovely bud vases.  I just cut these magnolias and lilacs from my garden and placed them on a cobalt blue charger to highlight the china pattern. 

I also repurpose vintage jewelry to create push pins that will upgrade any corkboard to make your display one-of-a-kind.  Click on the photo to be directed to my shop where you can find many options to fit your decor.

I have been lucky enough to find some great vintage milk glass that I also sell in my Etsy shop.  This candy dish, in the highly collectible Argonaut Shell pattern, can be used as intended.

Or in a new way, as a candle holder.

On "Real Simple":

Click on any of the following photos to be directed to Real Simple.  Take your bangle bracelets (the older, the better!) out of your jewelry box and use them for your next dinner party.  What a pretty way to set your table and show your style.

A vintage (or new) cake stand can be repurposed to display candles.

Wrap your gifts in a unique way.  Use vintage newspapers, magazines, or maps as wrapping paper.  Or copy and blow up an appropriate word from the dictionary to wrap your gift.

Here, you will see a ladder used as a rack for newspapers or magazines.  Salvaged ladders can be repurposed as towel racks, end tables, or shoe organizers as well.

For your next party, whether it be a wedding or any special event, use rocks as a guest book.  I have large rocks I collected on the beach as a child to create a vintage collection.  But you can buy polished rocks for formal events.  Or use your child's rock collection for a kids' birthday party. 

Repurposing items is one of my favorite ways to customize your home and live a little more beautifully.

DIY Instant Shoe Update

Basic brown heel

Dress it up!

Here's an easy, instant update anyone can do to their favorite pair of heels.  Take your shoes from day to night and make them one-of-a-kind in one quick step. I just added a clip-on earring to my shoe.  This is a new earring I bought at a department store, but you can easily find vintage clip-ons to make them even more unique.