reading list.

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Since getting a Kindle I have been reading books like crazy. I was surprised to find out how many e-books are available to borrow through my local library and Amazon Prime has a fair selection as well. I have yet to purchase a book since the Kindle came into my life.

The above titles are the latest books I've read. "The Fault in Our Stars" was hands down my favorite. I finished it in less than 24 hours and may have even cried a bit. Also, I just started "The Goldfinch" - so far it has started out slow but I'm sure it will live up to all the hype. Happy Monday!

fear.

"Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me." -Cheryl Strayed, wild

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reading.

I've been reading a lot lately. These are the latest books I've read. Here are my thoughts:

Gone Girl: This book kept me on the edge of my seat but as the storyline continued I felt like it was a vaguely familiar to other stories I've read. The ending was a buzz kill but all in all I was entertained. 

Where'd You Go Bernadette: I thought this book really funny and light. It was a quick read and when the book ended I wished it kept going so I could see where the characters end up. I'm hoping there is a sequel in the making.

Orange is the New Black: Loved this book. Loved it. Really the best book I've read in a long time. It is a memoir which is interesting in itself. But I really loved how it made me think about the prison system. Something I had never really put any thought into before. Highly recommend this book. If you've seen the TV show- its not really like the book in my opinion. Just FYI.

Happy reading.

book: freunde von freunden.

 

My sweet boyfriend had to do some traveling for work and brought me back this book from Berlin.  I absolutely love it!  I have been a fan of Freunde von Freunden, a online international interview magazine, for quite some time.  I was so excited when I heard they were coming out with a book.  Let me tell you, Freunde von Freunden's work is even better in print.  The book is filled with amazing photographs of glimpses into some creative people's homes and work spaces.  The book is written in both German and English and will be available in the US in mid-December!  I highly recommend this lovely coffee table book.  It would be a perfect gift as well!

Hope you had a great weekend.  Happy Monday!

a couple things.

 

A little while ago, I spotted some new beakers for sale at a local design store for $18 each.  I loved the idea of using a beaker as a vase but I figured I could find some beakers cheaper elsewhere.  On my last trip to Charlotte, I found this vintage beaker at an antique mall for just $9.  It is my new favorite "vase."  I especially love it paired with these hydrangeas I picked up at the grocery store this week.

I also recently purchased Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney.  It is a great book and the layout is wonderful.  I was really impressed with how the book really felt like an extension of the Design*Sponge blog.  My favorite part of the book was the "sneak peek" into people's homes.  I am always wondering what the inside of people's homes look like.  Is anyone else as obsessed with this as I am?  Anyways, the book has some beautiful homes featured.  Definitely worth a look!

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a few things.

A few things I'm loving lately:  my new-to-me vintage Coach purse from Etsy shop lexismonkey, lightweight striped scarf from Urban Outfitters, silly photo booth pictures with the BF, and the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (I'm obsessed).

my "weekend."

After working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I am so ready to enjoy my "weekend" today and tomorrow.  I plan on doing a lot of relaxing, finish reading The Hunger Games (I'm obsessed), a little cooking, and a little hip hop dancing.  Definitely looking forward to it :)

Happy Monday!

images jane herman's home via refinery29

harry potter.

 

 

The final Harry Potter movie is out in theaters today!  So excited.

Happy Friday!

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louie + harry.

 

 Louie is anxiously waiting for the new Harry Potter movie to come out tomorrow.  I might be a little excited about it too.  Anyone else pumped?!

You can read about my obsession with Harry Potter here. 

beach day.

Yesterday, I spent a nice relaxing afternoon at the beach with some friends.  It was nice to just enjoy the sunshine, catch up with friends, and read a good book (i.e. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).  

words of wisdom.

 I love Anne of Green Gables.

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monday...monday...

Sorry I have been so slack these last few days!  Life has been a little crazy/busy.  Back to regular posting tomorrow!  Happy Monday :)

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Today Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is out in theaters! I don't know if I've mentioned my slight obsession with HP here on design blossom but I have been a huge fan of Harry Potter since the books first came out. So, this past weekend I went on a trip to Orlando to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Let me tell you it was AMAZING. I pretty much grinned like a big goon the first thirty minutes we were there (as you can see in the pictures). But seriously, they did such a great job recreating the little wizarding world I have come to know and love from the books and movies. If you are a Harry Potter fan I definitely recommend a visit to this theme park! Thanks Sean for taking me on this little adventure :)

I am super pumped about the release of the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in theaters. I won't be able to see it this weekend since I have to work tonight and tomorrow night but I'll be seeing it ASAP!

Happy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 release Friday!!!

Monday...Monday...

Thanks everyone for your suggestions on what color to paint my bar cart!  I think I am going to paint the whole thing a dark grey and then paint some sort of design on the bottom of the tray.   I'll keep you posted.  Happy Monday!

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books, books, books

One day I will have a lovely room filled with books.  Only my favorites.

Weekend plans:  work then get lost in a good book.

Happy weekend!

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Design Book Reviews

Thanks to everyone who helped me decide which books to order awhile back (see original post here).  Well, I got my books in the mail now here's the reviews:

 I was super excited about getting this book after quickly flipping through it in Francesca's.  When I sat down to read through it I really loved many of the ideas and spaces featured in this book.  That being said, I was a little disappointed with it in the end.  The book was too much shabby chic thrifty rooms without any other styles thrown in.  I think a good space should be a nice mixture of old/new and trendy/traditional.  I think this book was mainly displaying how thrift store finds can be used to create a beautiful space which I think it accomplished.  I am glad I purchased this book because I do enjoy thrifty finds but it is not at the top of my design books list.

 This book was not at all what I thought it was going to be!  I was expecting a book filled with different pictures of trendy city homes and apartments.  This book is really about a couple's journey purchasing and renovating spaces (mainly in the city) and their errors and successes.  I found it really interesting how they bought these different properties and really transformed them.  The couple's style is really bold and modern (not really my style) but I loved hearing about their journey and seeing the beautiful spaces they created from practically nothing.  Overall, really pleased with this book!

Read any great design books lately?  Let me know...I'm always on the lookout!