New at Target: Curiosity Shoppe Collection

Let's face it, I'm practically an unpaid Target spokesperson. Every time there is a launch, it's hard for me to keep quiet about it or stay away. Not that I need a cutting board shaped like the US, but the The Curiosity Shoppe has partnered with Target to create some quirky pieces for the home. I love the eclectic, vintage modern feel of their products.

Check out some of my favorite pieces from the new line: 

America Cutting Board, $25.00.

Shadow Puppet Kit, $5.00 (Set of 7). Novelty Mask Set, $5.00 (10 Piece Set).

Serving Platter, $25.00. Ceramic Bowl, $20.00.

Salad Bowl & Servers, Prices N/A.

Journal, $10.00. Notecards, $5.00. (18 Piece Set) Stamper Kit, $10.00.

Browse all the looks here and let me know if there's anything you have your eye on.  Will you be heading to the debut at Target Sunday, 9/9?

Technicolor Inspiration

 

Succulents: I love plants and nurturing them. Unfortunately, if plants could talk, the ones I've "nurtured" would tell a different story. I have killed every single pot of orchids anyone has ever bought me (total count: 5). Cactuses, on the other hand, are notoriously low maintenance and so far I haven't killed a single one! They're not only easy to take care of; they're such a unique and varied plant.

Lighting: We (mostly I) have been hunting for a lamp to light up our living room, and I like almost every single version of Robert Abbey's Delta lamp, from the jewel tones to the pastels. Out of my price range for now, it goes for $150.91. Check out all the colors here: lampsplus.com.

Midcentury Modern: It's no secret that I am crushing hard on mid-century modern design. Friends have come to my apartment and told me that they feel like they stepped into the 50's, and in case you're wondering, I think that's very much a compliment. I've been keeping my eye out for aqua shell chairs on craigslist.org. Wouldn't it look great paired with an industrial steel work desk?

Spring Shoes: I got shoes on the brain! Madewell.com has the cutest selection of staples, and while I don't think these are a necessity, it's hard not to be drawn to shiny things. Blame the raccoon in me. Madewell's Metallic High Road Sandal also comes in other less visually-demanding colors: madewell.com.

Pillows: There are those who sleep with 8 pillows on their bed, and then there are those who lounge on the sofa buried beneath an 8-pillow avalanche. I am most definitely not the former and most certainly the latter. In the coming months I plan on updating our couch by mixing and matching some pillows from crateandbarrel.com and dwellstudio.com.

Rugs: We ordered this "Magic Carpet Rug" for our living room because we need something to brighten up the space, and my hope is that this will easily draw from every other color we have in our living room. It's very affordable at $64, so grab it while you can from urbanoutfitters.com.

Sunnies: Ray Ban Clubmasters, Wayfarers, D&G, House of Harlow. Those are just a few styles and brands of sunglasses I frequently ogle but am too stingy to shell out for. I think these SUPER Lucia cat eye sunnies could be universally flattering and I can't resist transparent pink frames. At $163 (available from piperlime.com), I will be making sure they're a perfect match before I commit.

I have some cool posts in the works for you, so stay tuned!

xoxo,

Margaret

I Do!... Love Buying Bridal Presents.

OMING BACK from two weddings last weekend to another slew of engagements announced via Facebook and a bridal shower this upcoming weekend means one thing for me—shopping! Of course I'll be shopping for presents, but it's almost as rewarding as shopping for myself so I have no complaints.

While scouting, I realized that the usual suspects have been done to death, so I sought out some more creative options to share with those needing ideas amidst wedding season. I went ahead and bought the diamond ring measuring spoons for a lovely bride-to-be. :-)

1. Jonathan Adler Mr. and Mrs. Muse Mug, $24. jonathanadler.com.  2. Snooze City I Heart U Pillowcase Set, $19.99 each. bedbathandbeyond.com. 3. Lover Dovers I Love Lucy Retro Apron, $28.65. etsy.com/shop/loverdoversclothing. 4. Diamond Ring Measuring Spoons, $14.99. perpetualkid.com.  5. Holly GoNightly Sleep Mask, $14. fredflare.com.  6. Happ & Stahns Perfumers Eau De Parfum, $68. anthropologie.com.

Your Birthday Sucks!

My coworker constantly laments her age. As a result I wanted to highlight it on her birthday. Be glad if you're not friends with me. ;-) To do this project, all you'll need is a colorful little box (I used a Kate Spade bracelet box), a piece of Styrofoam, some scissors to cut the foam to fit your box, lollipops,  a card, a Sharpie, and a good sense of humor.

Enjoy!

The Pineapple Purse

Y WEAKNESS for bags that resemble food and/or are sparkly  is pretty transparent, even to people who have only known me for a few months. Fortunately my raccoon-like nature is not lost upon them and makes gift-hunting for me a cinch—my presents usually involve some sort of shiny bauble or tasty morsel, and if I'm lucky, a combination of the two.

As you can imagine, I was pretty thrilled to see that I am not alone: I stumbled upon this fortune cookie coin purse made out of recycled leather last week, and most recently, this pineapple coin purse from Kate Spade.

 So shiny. So delicious. I want.

Available from katepsade.com for $95, this tropical sparkler is oh-so-cute. Did I also mention it is ready for purchase? My birthday is in November so you have a few months to save up. ;-)

xo,

margaret

Food For Change

I am in love! Designed by Diana Eng, these handmade fortune cookie coin purses are created from 100% recycled leather (yay for recycling!) and each purse has a unique number on it so you can track its origin. A little pricey, but cute as can be, and definitely a great gift idea, as they come with a special message inside!  Reminds me of the ones Nick made me. :-) Available at dianaeng.com for $65.

 

Valentines for your Valentine

OOKING FOR last minute Valentine's Day gifts? To help get your creative juices flowing, I compiled a list of things I am not-so-secretly admiring. For once, sweets aren't on the list! Nothing is more timeless than red roses—paper red roses, that is. Another favorite of mine is the umbrella built for two. Check out more ideas:

1. Red Sweetheart Roses Kit, $17. papersource.com.  2. Shirley Temple Earrings, $12. modcloth.com. 3. Heart Doily Rubber Stamp, $6. papersource.com.  4. Martha Stewart Collection Medium Square Cakestand, 10", $20. macys.com.  5. Umbrella For Two, $49. umbrellastand.com.  6. Mascarpone Dress, $115. modcloth.com.

love // MARGARET

Better Together: Salt and Pepper

UST WHEN I thought I had exhausted my list of Christmas gift ideas, I stumbled upon a salt and pepper set that my sister had given me. I am a collector (not synonymous with hoarder), and these might be my new favorite thing to find, especially since I drool over kitchenware on the regular. Another great thing? These would make cute wedding presents too! Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Balance Salt and Pepper Set, $34. charlesandmarie.com.  2. Jonathan Adler 'Mr. and Mrs. Muse' Salt and Pepper Shakers, $48. jonathanadler.com.  3. Peas Pass the Salt and Pepper Shakers, $21.99. modcloth.com.  4. Sleepy Sow Shakers, $12.00. anthropologie.com.