{Top Ten} May

Somehow, without me even realizing it, May has completely whizzed by! How is tomorrow already June 1st?! I hope the Summer doesn't fly by as quickly as the first half of the year...I want to savor every last second of it! I can't wait to show you some exciting projects in June, but in case you dozed off, here's a recap of the Top Ten posts for May.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8893312754/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May" height="635" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/8893312754_aa96627fe8_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe it's been a month since we came home from Italy. I'm ready to go back! I last shared the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/trip-report-burano-italy.html" target="_blank">charming island of Burano</a>, and <strike>hopefully</strike> soon I'll get my act together and finish the {Trip Reports} for Florence, Cinque Terre and Milan! You won't want to miss them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I dressed up a plain mason jar with an <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/teacher-appreciation-gift-etched.html" target="_blank">Etched Monogram</a>. It was the perfect Teacher Appreciation gift.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer means houseguests...<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/preparing-for-houseguests.html" target="_blank">here's how I prepare</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8893312628/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May" height="586" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8893312628_b302fbf4d3_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm obsessed with all the uses for these caddies...including as a <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/easy-teacher-gift-essentials-kit.html" target="_blank">Teacher's Essentials Gift</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I paired <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/outfit-inspiration-spots-stripes.html" target="_blank">Spots & Stripes</a>, and showed you real-life behind the camera of my {Outfit Inspiration} posts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8893312926/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May" height="583" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/8893312926_9d6a6985d1_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We're serious about our coffee, and keeping it <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-best-part-of-waking-up.html" target="_blank">stylishly organized</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I DIYed a monogrammed doormat and revived the sad door hardware for a quickie <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/spruced-up-porch.html" target="_blank">Front Porch Makeover</a>.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8892694183/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Top 10 May" height="586" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/8892694183_8deed9a6eb_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We're turning our organization to the garage, starting with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/organized-spraypaint.html" target="_blank">the Spraypaint</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Things got a little saucy with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/outfit-inspiration-hot-pink-leopard.html" target="_blank">Hot Pink & Leopard.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Pink Walls & Red Ceiling Dining Room" height="774" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8631487173_995b2dd7f1_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And my favorite project of the month, is hands-down the pink walls and red ceiling in the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/dining-room-pink-there-it-is.html" target="_blank">Dining Room</a>! </div><br />What was your favorite project? Are you tackling any new ones? Happy weekend, lovebugs! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">New around here? Catch up with these {Top Tens}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-ten-january.html" target="_blank">January</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/top-ten-february.html" target="_blank">February</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-ten-march.html" target="_blank">March</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-ten-april.html" target="_blank">April</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/project-gallery_17.html" target="_blank">Project Gallery</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>* * * * * </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd also like to welcome <a href="http://www.qualitybath.com/kitchen-sinks.htm" target="_blank">Quality Bath</a> as a renewing sponsor!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Their support allows us to produce this many projects every month...so go check them out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="200x200_kitchen_sink" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7196178538_725599e8bd_o.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

{Top Ten} May

Somehow, without me even realizing it, May has completely whizzed by! How is tomorrow already June 1st?! I hope the Summer doesn't fly b...

Read more »

Spruced Up Porch

I'm still slowly working my way through the To-Do Lists in the house<i> (<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/living%20room" target="_blank">Living</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/dining%20room" target="_blank">Dining</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/Den" target="_blank">Family</a> Rooms)</i>, but with the weather so nice, I'm turning my attention outside, too. The front porch has been neglected for several months, so it was time for a spruce-up this weekend! After a few simple DIY projects, we are ready to welcome guests again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868476285/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="694" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/8868476285_9f16bb1253_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'm still crazy about this monogrammed coir mat <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/suzanne-kasler-bordered-initial-coir-mat/162737?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=3" target="_blank"><i>(from Ballard)</i></a>, but after a full year outside in the elements, it was really faded and tired.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868477379/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="467" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/8868477379_cf1fe1e3fd_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Instead of investing in a new one, I followed <a href="http://freckleschick.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-personalized-doormat.html" target="_blank">Freckles Chick's lead</a>, and painted it! Using black Patio Paint <i>(found at craft stores)</i>, I brushed and dabbed it over the existing letter and border.<br /><br /><i>Keep reading to see the mat makeover, and how to rejuvenate tired old door hardware. </i><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8869090666/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="610" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/8869090666_1f8e760cc3_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Such a simple project, even my helper pitched in. It took us about 30 minutes, and after curing for 72 hours, the paint is weather-resistant and self-sealing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868476805/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="687" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8868476805_3aaa1a2284_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Looks brand new, right?! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868476519/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="652" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/8868476519_28a6b3cd3a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Next up was the sad-looking door hardware. I'd love new door knobs and locks, but those things are <i>ex-pen-sive</i>! I'm not really interested in dropping hundreds of dollars for a freaking door knob?! Not to mention, we'd probably destroy the door trying to get these old ones out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8869090888/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="740" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/8869090888_026bd430aa_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Just like <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/dining-room-no-more-yellow-blocks.html" target="_blank">this project</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-mirror-mirror.html" target="_blank">this mirror</a>, Rub 'n' Buff gold leaf came to the rescue! Now the knobs have a new, polished brass look. I used a q-tip for the hard to reach nooks and crannies. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">TWSS</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868476661/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="709" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/8868476661_31a22d268a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />After that, I gave the doors a good washing, and planted a couple of ferns. Kimberly Queens are my favorite...they stand tall and don't grow too wide or get droopsy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8869089760/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="653" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/8869089760_f6f311e52f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />What kind of a good Southern girl would I be if I didn't have ferns on my porch?!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868475465/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="767" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/8868475465_a80bd15277_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I had a hankering to re-paint the door a new color, but <strike>got lazy</strike> decided I liked how it coordinated with the red accents we've got going on inside <i>(I'm talking you, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/dining-room-pink-there-it-is.html" target="_blank">red ceiling</a>.).</i><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8869089414/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="736" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/8869089414_dbb2c53a32_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Here's a little Before & After for you junkies. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868475095/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="578" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/8868475095_55e58ec2f0_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8869089016/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="391" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/8869089016_d7a52afdba_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Look at that hardware and doormat shine! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8868475865/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Spruced Up Front Porch" height="633" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/8868475865_2cfd0d9abc_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Have you scraped the Winter off your porch yet? What's your favorite front porch plant? You're totally eying your old door hardware now, aren't you?!

Spruced Up Porch

I'm still slowly working my way through the To-Do Lists in the house ( Living , Dining , and Family Rooms) , but with the weather so n...

Read more »

Easy Teacher Gift: Essentials Kit

Hi friends! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend as much as we did! The kids are literally counting down the days until Summer Break...and thanks to Memorial Day, there is only one more Monday! I wish I were a teacher and had the Summers off, but truth is, there is no way I would keep my cool working with a bunch of kids every day. I think teachers have a direct path to Heaven, and I'm so grateful to those who teach.<br /><br />As excited as they are for the break, my kids are really going to miss the amazing teachers they had this year. Since many teachers dip into their own pockets for supplies, I thought a little kit of classroom/desk essentials would be a helpful Teacher Gift.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="707" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8759450272_c0a4346c7c_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Since making this <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/organized-earring-jewelry-caddy.html" target="_blank">Earring Caddy</a>, I've been obsessed with all the uses for these type of organizers. And this one, intended for beads, is only $2 at Michaels!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="442" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/8758325313_f12ba9f015_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />As an added accent, I first looped a ribbon around the lid, securing it in place with glue dots.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="525" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/8759450918_c149800612_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Then covered the top with decorative paper. This paper is double-sided, so it looks cute when the lid is open, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="404" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8549/8759450864_455d98dec4_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />You could go hog-wild decorating the lid, but I prefer to keep things simple. And of course everything is cuter with a monogram...so I glued little chip letters to the corner.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="601" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/8759450494_933ebe3935_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />The lid snaps closed on it's own, so the bow is just decoration.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="595" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/8758324875_7e766970d6_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Then comes the fun part...filling the little compartments with colorful office supplies. <i>(Note to self: Use clear tape on the lid next time!)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher's Essentials: Easy Gift" height="511" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/8758338465_dce0b4eb81_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />These compartments aren't adjustable, so I had to get creative. I did cut one of the dividers out to make room for the hand sanitizer. Babygirl's teacher loves chocolate, so I threw some Kisses in, along with a cute pair of earrings. I consider chocolate and jewelry to be essentials! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="501" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/8759450758_723e3b00f9_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All supplies from <a href="http://popsu.gr/fICJ" target="_blank">Target</a>, and earrings from <a href="http://bit.ly/QFntFB" target="_blank">World Market</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="705" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/8759450648_0396186477_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="665" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/8759450708_a454aa8d31_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="433" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8559/8758324729_a520725376_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Bright, cheery and useful...not to mention easy...that's the formula for a perfect gift!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Teacher Essentials: Easy Gift" height="707" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8758324689_403dbf083f_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />What are you gifting your teachers with this school year? It doesn't have to be big, crafty or expensive...just something that lets them know they are appreciated. Do we have any readers that are teachers? Share in the comments your favorite things to receive!<br /><br />Here are a few other Teacher Gift ideas:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><!-- inlinkz code start --><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 189px;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=163525&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Easy Teacher Gift"><img border="0" class="_inlinkzI" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120628/13516/100/1340907046.38" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: bottom; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=163525&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Easy Teacher Gift">Easy Teacher Gift</a></div></div></td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 189px;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=60886&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Chalkboard Mug/Teacher Gift"><img border="0" class="_inlinkzI" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120123/13516/100/1327333748.54" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: bottom; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=60886&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Chalkboard Mug/Teacher Gift">Chalkboard Mug/Teacher Gift</a></div></div></td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 189px;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=48944&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Easy Teacher Gifts"><img border="0" class="_inlinkzI" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20111216/13516/100/1324072990.75" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: bottom; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=48944&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Easy Teacher Gifts">Easy Teacher Gifts</a></div></div></td><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 189px;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=316788&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="DIY Sharpie Mug"><img border="0" class="_inlinkzI" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20130228/13516/100/1362081033.22" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: bottom; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=316788&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="DIY Sharpie Mug">DIY Sharpie Mug</a></div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 189px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=362765&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Monogrammed Etched Jar"><img border="0" class="_inlinkzI" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20130520/13516/100/1369083764.63" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 107px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=362765&c=56354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Monogrammed Etched Jar">Monogrammed Etched Jar</a></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><a class="_LMLogo" href="http://www.inlinkz.com/" style="color: #bbbbbb; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal arial; text-decoration: none;">InLinkz.com</a></div><img height="0" nbsp="" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/cimp.php?c=56354" style="border: none !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: 0 !important;" width="0" /><br /><br /><!-- inlinkz code end -->

Easy Teacher Gift: Essentials Kit

Hi friends! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend as much as we did! The kids are literally counting down the days until Summer Break...and th...

Read more »

Super Sales

Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends! This is the time we pay our respect to those who fight for our freedom, but the retail stores celebrate by having gigantic sales! In case you're taking a break from the sun, and spending a little time with your laptop...I thought I'd share some of the amazing sales with you. Yay for holiday shopping weekends!<br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/12QfkjN" target="_blank">C.Wonder</a> is offering 25% off your full-price order of $100, no code needed. Also, take an extra 50% off sale items with code <b>SALE50</b>. I love this <a href="http://bit.ly/Z3h090" target="_blank">Starfish Stacked Ring</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/16cbO8j" target="_blank">Striped Boatneck Tee</a>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="C. Wonder Sale" height="320" src="http://media.cwonder.com/media/wysiwyg/Weekof_052013/slider.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The Half-Yearly sale for Women and Kids is going on at <a href="http://bit.ly/W7fZdv" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a>. Does anyone even come close to their customer service and easy return policy?! Seriously, they are the best. Those <a href="http://bit.ly/16caG4D" target="_blank">yellow wedge sandals</a> I posted about <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-friday-five_10.html" target="_blank">here</a> are included!<br /><br /><a href="http://mysugarplumblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/super-sales.html" target="_blank">Click here for the full listing of sales.... </a>

Super Sales

Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends! This is the time we pay our respect to those who fight for our freedom, but the retail stores celebrate...

Read more »

The Friday Five

How about a Hoody-Hoo for the long weekend!? I've got cook-outs, pool time and Summer dresses on the brain this Friday.<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">1)</span></span> I <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/36451078206609217/" target="_blank">pinned this dress</a> from <a href="http://popsu.gr/fTmV" target="_blank">Forever 21</a> last week, then immediately had to order it. It appeared to be the perfect Summer dress...bright colors, light fabric, easily dressed up or down...and cheap! Unfortunately, it's not so cute in person. Unbelted it looks like a mumu, and belting it didn't help much either. Not to mention, the armholes are so big you can see all the lady bits up top. Total bummer, but back to the store it goes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8793024777/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="550" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/8793024777_3cdf7ebfd6_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><a href="http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natalie</a> is a genius at flushing out the good stuff from <a href="http://popsu.gr/fTod" target="_blank">Forever 21</a>, so I ordered <a href="http://popsu.gr/fTlz" target="_blank">this one</a> too, after she posted it. It looks pretty high-end in person, and the details are impressive for the price. The <a href="http://popsu.gr/fTkc" target="_blank">Love 21 line</a> is cut more for women <i>(as opposed to juniors)</i>, so I tried both an XS and S. One fits great on top, but the other is better on bottom <span style="font-size: xx-small;">TWSS</span>. What do you think, is it a keeper? Which size looks best? <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8793033191/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="550" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/8793033191_63ee2253f6_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">2)</span></span> Now that we're spending more time outdoors, I'm excited to pull this <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/pinterest-project-custom-fedora.html" target="_blank">DIY Fedora</a> back out! Are you a hat person?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_9520" height="441" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7416191824_7bf011db80_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">3)</span></span> My parents are moving soon, and gifting us with their super-duper, mac-daddy grill <i>(their down-sizing means new stuff for us!)</i>. I'm not a good griller, but I'm determined to master <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/336666/barbecued-chicken" target="_blank">Martha's BBQ Chicken</a> this weekend. I think I'll add <a href="http://mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2012/05/mamas-corn-salad.html" target="_blank">Shay's Corn Salad</a>, or <a href="http://www.pinteresttoldmeto.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sheaffer's</a> <a href="http://mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2013/05/lunch-black-bean-dip-or-filling.html" target="_blank">Black Bean Salad</a> to the menu. Or better yet, I'll invite them over and they can bring both!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Barbecued Chicken" class="feat-primary-img" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/wmax-520/ecl/images/content/pub/everyday_food/2006Q4/edf_bbqchicken_vert.jpg" title="Barbecued Chicken" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">4)</span></span> I'll provide the rafts and a cute <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/07/patriotic-table.html" target="_blank">Patriotic Table</a> like this one from last year. That sounds fair, don't you think?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0727" height="729" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7463011936_1b228182d5_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">5)</span></span> Occasionally I get asked if I help design spaces for other people. I'm much too chicken for that, and who in their right mind would want their house to look like <strike>mine</strike> a box of Crayolas?! The one place that much color and pattern is universally accepted, is in Kid's Rooms. Those are my absolute favorite to create, too. Kirsten has partnered with <a href="http://popsu.gr/fTqX" target="_blank">Land of Nod</a> for this <a href="http://6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com/search/label/Good%20Design%20with%20Kids%20in%20Mind" target="_blank">fabulous series,</a> and I've been devouring every post. I know my kids will want some changes to their rooms as they get older, so I'm gathering all these great ideas.   <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAa1U2KbaQahvukqLnPc1Tk-rLwiY_M_vfIR3r-R77mi3L-2bYgvE-iX6LhK1TSczM9LQY5L3rc1mICBdY6mJ8YX8PAHw8G5m7lY9qP92Wvhs2BeP9dUw_WO958fkRAgbyBOCqAdSagKJ/s640/Gooddesignwithkidsinmind_final.png" width="550" /></div><br /><br />What's on the agenda for you? Have you found any great Summer dresses? What about grilling tips? Happy long weekend, lovebugs!

The Friday Five

How about a Hoody-Hoo for the long weekend!? I've got cook-outs, pool time and Summer dresses on the brain this Friday. 1) I pinned thi...

Read more »

{Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard

Thank you so much for your comments on our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/dining-room-pink-there-it-is.html" target="_blank">new Dining Room colors</a>! I know they are bold, and certainly not everyone's cup-of-tea, but they make us happy. And isn't that what's most important when designing your home...creating a space that reflects you, and makes you feel comfortable and happy? As cliche as it sounds, I want our home to be a haven for us.<br /><br />Today's <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/outfit-inspirations.html" target="_blank">{Outfit Inspiration}</a> takes a break from pattern mixing, but is no less bold. Home and closet...I just can't help myself! I'm drawn to vibrant colors and patterns!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8747262099/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard" height="595" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/8747262099_a9948c8286_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I have a small waist, but fuller hips and bootay, so virtually all my skirts and dresses are an A-line silhouette. The rare exception is when I find a pencil skirt with enough stretch to fit curves, and is thick enough to not pull and pucker.<i> (<a href="http://popsu.gr/fIiN" target="_blank">These</a> are my favorites.)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8748384234/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard" height="671" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8748384234_c4c43eea3e_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone get that girl some self-tanner! And a comb.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br />The pink top is so vibrant, the skirt actually becomes a neutral in this outfit. That's one of my favorite things about leopard...it goes with virtually every color. <i>(See my take with with kelly green <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/10/outfit-inspiration-kelly-green-leopard.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8747262135/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard" height="587" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/8747262135_bbd2f95cc7_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8748384276/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard" height="681" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8127/8748384276_f192c928d2_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I piled on a few necklaces to get a chunkier look. The leather wrap bracelet is from my sweet friend, <a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8747262305/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard" height="615" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/8747262305_7f0f6a4c8e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8747262255/" title="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | {Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard" height="655" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/8747262255_ac6131593e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />What's your favorite color to pair with leopard? Have you let your legs out for the Summer yet?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Outfit Details}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I link to the actual item whenever possible, but I've had most of my clothes for ages.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In those cases, I try to link something similar.*</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Top: <a href="http://popsu.gr/fIlV" target="_blank">J.Crew</a> | Cardigan: <a href="http://popsu.gr/fImA" target="_blank">Target Merona</a> | Leopard Skirt: <a href="http://bit.ly/UuocVc" target="_blank">J.Crew Factory</a> (<a href="http://popsu.gr/fIkD" target="_blank">similar</a>) | Shoes: <a href="http://popsu.gr/fInn" target="_blank">Joan & David</a> | Necklaces: J.Crew & Forever 21 (<a href="http://popsu.gr/fIol" target="_blank">similar</a>) | Pearl Bracelet: J.Crew (<a href="http://popsu.gr/fIos" target="_blank">similar</a>) | Wrap Bracelet: <a href="http://www.francescas.com/product/rodeo+bling+wrap+bracelet.do?sortby=ourPicks" target="_blank">Francescas </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>*Some links contain affiliates.</i></span></div>

{Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard

Thank you so much for your comments on our new Dining Room colors ! I know they are bold, and certainly not everyone's cup-of-tea, but t...

Read more »