What’s green, blue, and sparkly and screams Megan?
That would be my new hexagon sparkly artwork piece that I whipped up on Saturday afternoon while watching American Idol on Hulu (ahem…for the second time because I like it so much I watch it twice #noshame)!
I got the idea from Tara Dennis and initially thought about making a hexagon accent wall where my TV is. Then my hexagon cutter (affiliate link) came in and it was much smaller than I thought and that project would have literally taken FOREVER.
Instead I decided to make a smaller artwork piece with one of my favorite sayings, “Eat Well Travel Often”.
I had just the place for it too! Above the bookcase in my dining room nook. The perfect saying and the perfect place for the artwork.
I made a few different versions of the saying using different fonts and decided this one was my favorite. Then I gathered a couple of sheets of scrap book paper in the colors I wanted to use: emerald, navy, and neutral sparkles!
I cut out a stack of hexagons in each color (I ended up using about 2 sheets of each of the four colors I used). Then I taped the saying in the middle of a piece of foam board and began to glue the hexagons in random order, moving from the top left to right.
It definitely took some time but I find crafts like this a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Since I was fancy-ing up this corner of the room anyways I decided to reorganize the bookcase as well since it was starting to look a little cluttered. I was also able to purge a little more too. More stuff be gone! Although some of the stuff also just relocated to a place that made more sense.
When I stepped back to look at the final result, I was just so, so, so happy! I think it reflects my style perfectly – my favorite colors, the sparkles, and the saying that is exactly how I feel about my life.
My favorite time of day to gaze upon this little corner is between 3pm and 5pm. The afternoon light literally floods my sweet little apartment and makes it a golden place to be. Now it also sparkles when the light hits the artwork!
I have a lot of different colors going on in this piece and I was thinking that it would also look really nice to pick one color in a couple of different shades….just an idea floating around!
Thank you so much, Michelle! I agree the varying shades of gold would look beautiful! Maybe I’ll do another type and see what it looks like!!ReplyCancel
I’ve actually been trying to sort out in my head for days as to what to write. This was a post that I had been formulating in my head since January, certain of the content. But then the unexpected happened – an ankle injury – and it changed everything.
I had the motivation behind me of 11 other amazing women. I was running for them in this incredible team relay. The relay starts in Gettysburg, PA and finishes in Washington, DC with 12 runners running three legs each beginning Friday morning until they finish on Saturday (yup even through the middle of the night). That is a 200 mile (!!) run….and I had 18.8 if those miles to do.
It was a totally doable goal, and I felt on fire with my training. I felt fast (for me) and strong. Until one day when I was only able to limp home from a training run two weeks out from the race.
I was frustrated, but two weeks seemed like a long enough time to recover. I rested and grew spiritually, knowing that this was the best training that I could be doing. I was expecting my ankle to be better and to have this spiritual story and strength behind my run.
Then a week passed, and I still could barely walk. Waves of discouragement, self-pity, and sadness overcame me. It may seem silly to you, to be so sad about not being able to run, but this was something I had fought so hard for, trained so much for, and something I felt could control (as opposed to other stuff going on in my life). But I guess lesson learned, right?
When the day came to drive up to meet up with my team, my goals had refocused. Since I could not run, this event was more about everyone else and not about my own personal goals. It was time for me to shake off these feelings of self-pity and sadness and be the best support I could be for the other runners.
Jessica from Pace of Me starting our team off strong!
A handoff between Sarah (The Thriftess) and Paula (Sweet Pea). Teamwork!
Did I accomplish that? Sometimes. Did I falter at times? Unfortunately yes. There were times when my frustration with my ability to even walk places made me lash out. When my 2.5 hours of sleep during the race made my grouchy, and when my “I need everything planned out and on schedule” nature made me crabby. To my 5 teammates in Van 2: I apologize for those moments and so appreciate every single one of you for your love, grace, and forgiveness.
Van 2 showing some love to the GMC that we called home for two days.
Van 2 at the start line. We didn’t start running until the afternoon after Van 1 finished their first leg with runners 1-6.
However, it is through all these times that I learned my lessons that I actually needed to take away from the race.
Feeling triumphant at the finish line!
I learned that I need more humility and patience in my life.
Van 2 on the second day after only a couple hours of sleep!
I also learned that I can sometimes function very well on 2.5 hours of sleep. (I don’t recommend it though).
Alexis from Flecks of Lex finishing her last leg.
I learned that a post I thought would be a moment of physical triumph and pride turned into a lesson of grace and humility. Yes, I’m sad I didn’t run but I now see I probably got the greatest lesson and inspiration I could out of this event. I grew as a person instead of just as a runner.
Sporting our awesome blue team shirts.
Now…all these moments and wonderful lessons would not have been possible without each of these amazing women and bloggers. I encourage you to visit them all and be inspired!
Now I’m going to rest up, heal, and devise a running plan so I can do the Virginia 10 Miler in September and the Richmond Half Marathon in November! Who’s ready to get outside and exercise this summer!
and duh rest up so that you can tackle it next year! i think chaney and i are definitely in, and it sounds like several others, too!!!! let’s rock it again, and this time physical and emotional triumph!!!! loved getting to know you through this, and i love your openness and honesty.ReplyCancel
I was so impressed with your positive attitude during the run. I know that it had to have been hard to keep a smile on your face after the disappointment of not being able to run after so many months of training. It was so nice of you to volunteer to drive for our van. Next year you will be back and running strong.ReplyCancel
Thank you so much, Paula! It was definitely a challenging weekend but I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it. I’m also so glad we were about to be in the same van! Can’t wait to actually run next year!ReplyCancel
I really should have titled this post as “Ode to a Little Blue Dress”.
Because really, you will see other items of clothing in this post but I think you will agree with me that it really is all about a little blue dress.
Now to make sure you aren’t confused, I’m talking about the contents of my April Stitch Fix (and third Fix ever). Stitch Fix is a personal stylist company that hand picks 5 items based on your style and size. You get assigned your own stylist (Hi Melissa!), and she gets to know your style based on your Pinterest fashion board, style profile you fill out online, and feedback you leave on your previous fixes. In turn she hand picks out pieces she think will make you look – and feel – great and sends them to you along with styling advice and a personal note. Love that part so much!
You can sign up for monthly fixes or just schedule them whenever you’re feeling in the mood. You also fill out a note your stylist reads before putting together your fix. This note is where you can request certain types of clothing you may be needing. Once you get your five pieces you have three days to try on the pieces at home and then you send back whatever you don’t want to keep in a prepaid envelope.
So really, let’s get to it, shall we?
I didn’t ask for very particular pieces this time. I like the element of surprise! I just asked for fun, bright, transitional pieces for spring. Melissa nailed it – while also introducing me to new trends and pushing me a little in my style.
19 Cooper | Rosetta V-Neck Top
Oh beautiful green, flowy, patterned shirt, I shall miss you. This is a perfect Megan shirt. Everything about it was just for me. Looked great, felt great, but at the end of the day the only thing it didn’t fit was my budget. Also, it was very blouse-y and felt a little big (it’s a medium and I have since changed my size in my style profile to a small since it seems all their shirts run big) so I couldn’t justify the price tag on this one. But Melissa, keep sending me things like this because this is called stylist perfection.
Returned
Daniel Rainn | Eliza Crochet Shoulder Blouse
Looking at this initially I thought it was not my style and wouldn’t look good. Lo and behold the beauty of trying things on. The color was perfect for me; I need to remember that baby blue is a darn good color for redheads! The crochet on the shoulders initially turned me off but I actually really liked that detail. However, the pleat in the front was not flattering on me. It definitely looked like a maternity top on my figure. Once again, this felt a little big which confirmed my decision to change my size to a small.
Returned
Bay to Baubles | Libby Lace Border Earrings
These earrings were pretty and I liked the lacey look to them. However, I thought they looked a little cheap and I prioritize my spending on clothes before jewelry.
Returned
RD Style | Jennika Open Cardigan
Ok, this one threw me for a loop. I asked Melissa for fun, different, transitional pieces, and I think this fits on every account. However, it does not fit my style. It goes very boho and that’s just not my look. I might have been more open to this if it were not crocheted and was a solid piece. I can see how it could be the perfect summertime sweater to bring to air-conditioned restaurants and such. It just wasn’t very Megan. I liked trying it though!
Returned
Uttam | Lauren Printed Dress
Now, what we’ve all been waiting for! The little blue dress! Do you hear the trumpets sounds as I wear this? Cause I sure did! It was like everything came together to make this dress and Megan meet. The fit, the color, the pattern, the waist, the neckline, the price. Bingo! I love, love, love, love this dress and know it will work for so many occasions: my sister’s law school graduation in SoCal I’m talking to you (oh – and some random day at work – I’m also talking to you – and how about the girls weekend coming up in a couple of day)! See? So much wear is going to come out of this dress.
KEPT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There it is – my April (and third) Stitch Fix review. What do you think? Should I have kept other items? Shocked I didn’t keep that green shirt?
If you are looking to score some beautiful spring pieces I highly recommend signing up for Stitch Fix. I’d also love if you used my referral link. 🙂 Happy spring fashion!
Want more Stitch Fix? Check out my first and second fix too!
You got a great “fix”! I love that dress and know you are going to really enjoy it. I think it should definitely be in your suitcase for Haven. The blouse looks great but if the price is wrong, I don’t blame you for sending it back. I had a blouse in my last box that I loved but it was way over my budget. I’m hoping a fix will be at my door when I get home today.ReplyCancel
Oh that’s so exciting Paula! I can’t wait to get home when I know a box is waiting for me! I also thought the same thing about the dress – you know it is Haven bound! Just what night to wear?! Their blouses definitely can get over what I want to spend on a shirt. It was the same price as the dress!ReplyCancel
That’s awesome that you would have loved the sweater! I definitely saw that it could be an amazing piece for someone – like you! Thank you for the nice words about the dress. I do love it so!ReplyCancel
Bonnie
I just tried my second fix, and I totally agree that the items run too big! Also, a dress I really loved was made poorly, which I was sad about. I kept a fun necklace this time though!ReplyCancel
I heard they do vanity sizing in their clothing. Not sure how I feel about it. But I guess once you get your size down though it works. That’s too bad about the dress. Sounds like the necklace was good though so not all was lost!ReplyCancel
My next fix is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I peeked at what I was getting and saw that I’m getting that baby blue top, which is what led me to your site via pinterest. I actually LOVE your whole fix but agree with you on what you kept and returned. I would’ve never picked up that white cardigan for myself, but it looks so spring-y and comfy. I’d be interested in that in the future. That dress is perfect on you! So glad I found your blog! Hoping to continue following along. 🙂ReplyCancel
Hi Erica! Yay! Thanks so much for stopping by. I am so excited for you to get your next fix. I will be interested in how you like the baby blue top. I LOVED the color! The white cardigan also intrigues me. Sometimes I wish I had kept that one because it could be awesome! My next fix comes in May and I am already excited about it! Hope yours is great!ReplyCancel
Spring! Flowers! Sunshine! Growth! Buds! Happiness! Color! Or at least that is what I think about spring. It just seems to awaken feelings of hope, change, love, joy, and grace. Since this is also the year of fresh flowers in my home (I vowed to myself when I moved into my apartment to always have fresh flowers and that has continually been the case!) I thought it would be fun to splurge on even more flowers for my home for the spring.Decorating with flowers is new territory for me and is something that I am excited to learn more about (I even bought a book about it – affiliate link) so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to buy bunches of flowers and try my hand at it. There aren’t too many fancy flower shops around ole Lynchburg so I opted for my favorite flower place: the Kroger discount section. Ha! Go on a weekday night when there are lots of marked down flowers. I spent about $10 in flowers and got bunches and bunches! No, they aren’t the fanciest flowers but they accomplish my goal: inject bright color and happiness into every room. I wandered around my couple rooms in the apartment looking at everything as an opportunity to hold flowers. I piled all the vessels onto my countertop, along with my flowers, and started to brainstorm.I had ideas of places I wanted to put my flowers so I started with my biggest arrangement – the dining table – and worked down from there. For this arrangement I put a skinny glass container into a bigger glass container and layered the flowers. Then I tied it off with a bow to camouflage the stems a little more and enjoyed playing with a table arrangement. [Fun fact: I did this on Sunday – I’ve consequently eaten every meal on the couch or standing up at the counter so I can just continue to stare and enjoy the pretty tablescape. Haha!]Then I decided to put together a little arrangement for the side table in the living room area. Just a few sweet flowers in a pretty gold glass.Then I moved onto the studio where I made a bouquet in a glass jar and placed it in this larger brass hammered planter.This arrangement may be my favorite with all its white and pinkness. So bright and happy!I then filled a bright blue mug full of pretties for my bedroom. There is nothing like looking at fresh flowers before you fall asleep at night and when you wake up in the morning. I love it! This may need to happen more.Finally, my last bouquet was done using this method: throw all the leftovers into my favorite pitcher and call it a day. Boom. Done.Goodness! Flowers, flowers, flowers everywhere! It feels like such a luxury but I only bought $10 worth of flowers and used containers I had around the house. My house sure is photoshoot ready, right?! However, next time I do this I think I will explore the local area a little more and see what flower shops I can find! But wait! There is more spring fun! I teamed up with a great group of blogger friends to share our favorite spring projects. Make sure to check out their springy projects below!
I love your home. Its so beautiful and I am digging the blue chair. LOL, love the touches of fresh flowers in your home its lovely. Thanks for touring with us.
Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much! Can you believe that I got that chair FOR FREE on the side of the road?! Best find ever!! Such a fun tour to be a part of!ReplyCancel
Wow! You got a lot of bang for your buck with $10 of Kroger flowers. Flowers in a room make me so happy when I take the time to buy or pick and then arrange them. I’m now inspired to brighten a few room in my home with flowers.ReplyCancel
You found a great deal on flowers and they all are so pretty in their new arrangements! I’ll have to definitely check out my store during the week like you suggested. I agree with Vanessa, love that blue chair!
TamiReplyCancel
Megan, Your floral touches are just what every home needs for Spring. Your displays and vignettes prove that to be just RIGHT. Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks. VERY impressive photos as well.
Happy Weekend!ReplyCancel
Placing fresh spring flowers throughout the home or apartment offers a great way to freshen things up without making major changes to the décor! I like to display whichever spring flowers are in season, such as tulips. Locations such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom are just begging for fresh flowers!ReplyCancel
That’s so smart to pick what’s in season! I love the idea that flowers can be anywhere in your home – especially bathrooms. It really livens the bathroom up!ReplyCancel
I’m surprised to admit it. I never thought that I would so adamantly love only having one small bathroom. However, living on my own I think it’s perfect – sized just for me and my needs. Plus, it makes cleaning such a breeze which is probably why I love it so much. I don’t know if I’ve ever confessed it here before, but I LOATHE cleaning toilets more than any other chore on earth.
Toilets aside, one important area in my bathroom that I do love to organize and clean is the shelving conveniently tucked in behind the door. Yes, I love a small bathroom but I may not be saying that if there were no storage. That could be very challenging for a girl and her products (guilty as charged!).
I love these shelves but they were not so pretty for quite some time. Usually that door stays open (the charms of living by yourself) and blocks the shelving so I never really had to look at the mess it. Ah the beauty of the grocery store fruit and Cottonelle boxes. Maybe not. (But yeah, I’m only on toilet paper box two of four that I won two years ago).
Finally, I carved out some time one weekend and decided it was time to make something of this little nook.
First things first was to get rid of the boxes and find some more pleasant looking storage. I took some time scouring Craigslist with the specific dimensions of the bottom nook and finally came upon a little cabinet that would fit perfectly.
Once I brought it home it was smaller in the space than I first imagined but still works like a charm.
However, the outside appearance wasn’t totally charming yet. It was laminate all around with lots and lots of nicks and scratches. Nothing a little sanding, primer and paint couldn’t fix.
Since I would be painting inside my apartment (painting outside in my apartment complex has its challenges) I used a no odor primer after sanding down the laminate. I did two coats of this with a light sanding after each one.
Then I dug through my paint leftovers (a challenging task since all my painting supplies are in my storage unit) and found the so-called navy blue from the sunroom makeover. It is Pantone’s Navy Blue mixed in Duramax by Valspar but it definitely reads more purple blue than navy blue. But I had it on hand and like the color. It fits in the blue bathroom.
I ended up doing three coats of the blue since it was a darker color, and I always find it challenging to get an even color with just two coats.
As I was waiting for paint to dry (thrilling as always) I cleaned up the cheapo, lightweight hardware and sprayed them with a little silver (my favorite from Rust-o-leum that I also painted the kitchen hardware with). I thought the silver sparkle would be perfect in the bathroom.
As a final step to add a little extra bling to the cabinet, I lined the bottoms of the drawers with some pretty paper I had in my collection.
I put her together, fitted her in the new space, and then loaded up the drawers with all the items that had previously been haphazardly stacked on the shelves or in boxes. It’s not too pretty in the drawers since they are on the smaller size but I have them organized by use and type so it works.
The last piece was prettying up the shelves. I had a fun time scouring the basket area at Michael’s with a tape measure to find a basket that fit the dimensions of the shelves exactly. I am happy to say I scored the PERFECT one! It was worth the weird looks as I measured baskets on the floor in the aisle.
The basket was the perfect fit for all that toilet paper and a few small hand towels!
The regular towels were pretty enough on their own so they stayed where they were. I also lined the outside of the shelves with pretty washi tape.
Then I had a fun time styling the third shelf.
I have a two perfumes that are pretty that I wanted to show off. Plus, I have a mission to always have flowers in my home. They just make me so happy. However, I’ve realized that I want flowers in every room in my house but not every room is conducive for keeping them alive (like the black hole that is my bathroom). I decided to try my hand at fake flowers. Welcome this lovely (fake) peony that I am quite pleased with! It’s just what the spot needed.
To the left is a basket I previously purchased and stored all my hair supplies. It’s been doing a good job for years now so I didn’t change it. I love the outside of the basket and think the colors work great but I don’t love that you can see all the contents. I might look for another basket with a hinged top but really, I probably won’t. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. It makes morning easier so that’s really the biggest win ever, right?!
Also, that little box on top of the cabinet is a cigar box my dad gave me. Now it holds nail polish!
There it is, a modest little makeover for my bathroom that makes me happy to use every day! I love blues in every shade and especially like mixing them in a space so I am digging how this bathroom has come together. Now to start brainstorming ideas for renter friendly artwork that can withstand the humidity this bathroom creates!
You found the perfect piece for your bathroom. The drawers are great for storage and I love the fun color you gave it. I’m with you on loving a small bathroom. I don’t need a lot of space to get ready and I like having a small space to clean.ReplyCancel
Thank you, Paula! I thought I may get some girl hate on the small bathroom thing, so I’m glad you agree! Though, if I were to ever build I probably wouldn’t choose a small bathroom. But right now it’s perfect!ReplyCancel
Containers are a lovely way to keep all the little things away. Without proper storage, the shelves and counter tops in the bathroom would just look so MESSY. Better to find a nice looking container to keep things out of sight when you can!ReplyCancel
This is fabulous! I love the hexagons and the colors you used. I would love to see it in varying shades of gold too!
Thank you so much, Michelle! I agree the varying shades of gold would look beautiful! Maybe I’ll do another type and see what it looks like!!
What a fun project! It adds a great pop of color to the wall above your shelf and I love your quote.
Thank you so much, Paula! I thought it was the perfect place to put it!