Friday, January 30, 2015

Splendies Review: January 2015

I had initially planned some big Valentines décor items for this week and then suddenly it's Friday night and I am exhausted from working late all week and am putting that to next week. But while I didn't accomplish much around here, house wise, I am always receiving packages of pretty things, so why not some reviews?

I must admit, I have been terrible about sharing my Splendies reviews lately.  Of course, I've had good intentions, and took all the photos and stuff, but then ended up having to delete them off my phone for legit photos of life before I got a chance to transfer them, and... such is life.

So, here we are. I thought about going back and re-shooting my December items but figured I'd just start fresh from here!  The good news is, after sizing up a few months back (since Splendies has a tendency to run small, I haven't had any issues!)

Splendies

Cost: $13.99/mth USD

Shipping:  US (free); Canada ($7.00); International ($9.00)

Here's what I got this month!
 
I was super excited to see a lot of fun color/patterns/texture!  This looked like the best lot yet :)
 
 
Rene Rofe Light Blue Lace Skirted Thong

Oh my goodness is this pair ever cute.  It's actually just a nice silky thong, but there's a cute little lace "skirt" over it.  I actually love the look of Brazilian cut underwear like these and these are even more fun since it's technically a skirt. 
 
 
 Hearts & Anchors Bikini

 
While not my ideal cut, these are just absolutely the cutest and will get a ton of wear anyhow.
 Love the print and these are nice and comfy.
 
Frederick's of Hollywood Seamless Thong

I've actually never tried this brand before, despite hearing a lot about it.  I am looking forward to these as a great everyday pair since they look like they are the seamless kind.  Love the bright orchid color and anticipate these will be super comfy and the fabric is nice and soft!
They are the only pair in the box with a price tag and are listed at $5.00
 
On average, I find this is a standard price for pieces in the box, but I've seen everything from $3 - 15 so it's a nice little mix usually.
 
Overall, I am very happy with this package!  I think it might be my favorite Splendies so far!  I am also looking forward to my February package as they said that most boxes would include some Valentine's undies from Spree Girl (another brand I have yet to try!)
 
Do you subscribe?  What did you get in your package?

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Things I Am Loving Right Now... Edgy Feminine Decor via Urban Barn

Another day, another collection of things I have added to my Wish List.  Once again, everything had a pretty feminine vibe but I felt that quite a few items had a kind of edgier vibe, which seems to be my new thing.
 
Today's items are all from Urban Barn which is one of my favorite places for home décor.
 
I've been toying with changing up the artwork on the main floor and these items are really speaking to me!
 


 
I love adding coziness through a lot of layers in soft goods.  Both of these items are nicely textured which also adds another dimension to the space.
 
 
 
 
 
Cause you can never have too many fun objects!
 

 
 
 
 
 

















 
 
 
I don't actually have a space for this stunning light fixture in mind, but I really think it has to come home and live with me!!!   Maybe my stairwell??
 
 
Again, without even trying, everything I chose was in the same color scheme!  How crazy was that?
 
What have you been crushing on lately?
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, January 19, 2015

Things I'm Loving Right Now... Edgy Feminine Home Decor via H&M

Having just put away all the Christmas décor, things have been looking pretty sparse and I've felt like I wasn't too sure how to decorate things around here.  January is pretty notorious for being a tricky time of year for this; it's not quite Spring and there's no holiday to take into consideration.

As I was perusing for some potential new additions, I noticed a trend emerging:  Edgy Feminine pieces.  Of course, my Wish List was starting to get pretty long, so throughout this week, I will be breaking it up by store.

Without further ado, here are my finds from H & M :


They had a ton of great cushion covers and the best part is they are very reasonably priced so I wouldn't feel bad about snatching up a few new ones.
 




 
 
Of course since it's still winter here, you always still need a cozy throw.
 


 
 
 
There's nothing I love more than campy, whimsical objects.
 

 
 
 




 


 

 

 
 
 
 
When I finished, I realized everything was a combination of white, pink, grey and cream so I guess I have a theme going on!
 
Now, I only need to see if H&M sells home stuff here in Edmonton!!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Wantable Intimates Review: January 2015

It's another Wantable review day!   You may have seen my Wantable Accessories review a little earlier this week. 

As I mentioned before, Wantable is a subscription service that allows you to fill out a style profile and they send you approximately 3-4 surprise items.  It's $36.00/mth (plus taxes, duties and exchange to Canada) and I've been pretty happy with everything I've received in the Intimates box over the last few months.

Since you can update your Style Profile whenever, I usually update mine every month to ensure I am getting whatever it is I am looking for that month. Here's what I had on mine this month:

I was pretty pleased to see that my stylist this month had actually read my notes and actually written back that they had selected items that I had requested!  I couldn't wait to see what they'd chosen.
 
 
Here's a look at the item summary for this box.  As you can see, there are only 2 items, but as both are higher priced sets, this is why there are 2, rather than the 3-4 that I am used to.
 

 
 
Here's a look at what I received:
 
Sophie B Panel Chemise
I was looking for something pretty to wear that wasn't exactly lingerie and they hit the nail on the head here.  This chemise is very elegant and classic but not boring.  It's kind of hard to see here but there are so many different fabrics on here which keeps things interesting and lovely.  The straps are adjustable, which is important to me and the fabrics are smooth and soft.  There is a nice amount of stretch here as well which made it super comfortable.  The detailing on this was very pretty from the lace over the cups to the sheer panels on the front.  I like this a lot.  The colors are soft and pretty and kept this look classy.  It also came with the matching G-string which is always a nice touch.
Valued at $42.00

 
 
Pyjama Drama Velvet Insert Boxer Set
This loungwear set wasn't something I would regularly pick out for myself since it is long sleeves with shorts, which always seems like an odd mix to me.  But after trying it on, I actually quite liked it.  The fabric is nice and soft and this was very comfy.  The color choice was very pretty and looks good with my skintone which is always nice.  There are velvet inserts on both the top and bottoms which adds a cute little detail.  My only issue was that the velvet trim on the bottom hem is on the INSIDE of the shirt, so I feel like they sewed this incorrectly as you can't see it and it serves no other purpose on the inside.
Valued at $38.00
 
 
Overall I was super happy with this box.  While I regularly would prefer to receive more items, both of these sets are very pretty, comfortable and will definitely get worn.  I also feel like the stylist who choose these items is the BEST STYLIST I have ever had for any Wantable box (both Accessories and Intimates).  I will  be asking for her again as she read my comments and found items that matched my requests and my profile selections.  The overall value of the items in this box is $80.00 which is a great value. 
 
Do you subscribe to Wantable?  What items have you received?

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Wantable Accessories Review : January 2015

Yay!  Today was an exciting mail day - BOTH of my Wantable boxes arrived today!  I'll be reviewing the Accessories box today and then the Intimates box later this week.

For those who aren't too familiar with Wantable, it's a great subscription box service with 4 different options (Accessories, Intimates, Makeup and then there is Fitness which is a workout wear edit which is actually a stylist service).  You pay $36/month (plus applicable taxes, duties and exchange for those of us in Canada) and they send you approx. 3-4 items that are a surprise. I've been subscribing to both the Accessories and Intimates boxes for a few months now and I really like the concept.


  You fill out a style profile which helps the stylists choose your items.  Since you can change your profile whenever, I try and change mine monthly to ensure I am getting the items I'm looking to add to my wardrobe.  This month I changed things up quite a bit and added sunglasses to my profile for the first time, since my last pair bit the dust last month. 

They also include an Order Details card which I love.  Here's a sneak peek at mine:

 
 
Karen Sunglasses
I've never done a cat-eye style before so these were a bit different for me.  I do like them and of course, the tortoiseshell is a nice change.  They also came with a little cloth bag for storage which was a nice touch.  I'm pretty happy with these.
Valued at $16.00 which is pretty standard for non-designer sunglasses.

 
 
Delores Necklace
This necklace is really substantial and pretty hefty.  The two lengths of pewter chains are connected by smaller silver chains and this is very edgy and fun.  I really like this!
Valued at $32.00

 
 
Suki Necklace
I was a little skeptical of this at first since it wasn't something I'd regularly choose.  The natural, organic shaped stones reminded me of crystals or geodes which kind of read a little boho to me, but paired with the gold chain it actually glams it up quite a bit.  Once I put this on though, I really liked it.  It's definitely something different than the usual, perfectly symmetrical, identical stones in most necklaces.
Valued at $26.00

 
 
Suki Earrings
I was a little disappointed to find that I'd gotten a matching earrings and necklace set at first.  While some people might love this, I am not the type of person who wears a matching set and prefers a more coordinated look.  However, once I put everything on, I really like this style and while I will most likely not wear them at the same time as the necklace.  I even wore them tonight to my p/t job.
Valued at $14.00
(excuse the pet hair and lint in the photo - these bags pick up everything!)

 
 
Overall, I was pretty pleased with this box.  While none of the pieces are ones that I would regularly choose on my own, I really like and will wear everything!  I think that might be part of why I like the box so much - it steps me out of my comfort zone and forces me to think of new ways to reimagine my wardrobe!  The box is valued at $88 which is pretty fantastic as it is still significantly more than I paid for the box (even with the taxes, duties and exchange rate).



I would definitely recommend Wantable to anyone looking to add some new pieces to their arsenal.  Do you subscribe - what have you gotten in your box?

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Framed Chalkboard Wall

Ugh well the first week back after the holidays came and went and was super exhausting.  I had some projects around the house that I've been working on that took a little longer to get completed but boy am I ever happy with them as they are progressing!

The first item checked off the list is one I've been dreaming up for months now.  Back in the summer I found an "As-Is" frame in the clearance section at HomeSense for $12.00. It was a nice big size, had a great looking finish and happened to be the perfect greyish blue color so I couldn't pass it in.  When I got it home, I realized it had been a mirror at one point, that had obviously shattered.  This discovery came after I was picking glass out of my foot :(
 

Anyhow, I had a fantastic idea that I was gonna paint the wall with chalkboard paint (even went and bought a can) and then add the frame and presto! instant framed chalkboard wall..... I think that was back in July.....
 

Until about a month ago, the frame was still leaning against the wall, precariously leaning and freaking out the dog. I had of course tried to hang it the day I purchased it, but of course the hanging hardware it was sporting didn't work for what I wanted.  So I added a note in my phone to pick up hardware since I couldn't find the pack I thought I had purchased a few weeks prior.  Of course, the day after I bought new hardware and got the stupid thing hung, I found the original package.

But what about the chalkboard you ask? Why did that take so long to accomplish? Well you see, I am actually grossed out by chalk.....! Yup, the dry texture just gives me the creeps.  I get goosebumps just thinking about it! What's worst than a dry texture? One dry item scratching against another..... Yuck.  Ergo, I was worried I might not even use the stupid chalkboard.  I had a little one I bought back in the fall, accompanied by some Chalk Markers and while they are ok, if I make sure to keep the marker tip very wet, I'm still not a huge fan.

But of course, one of my goals for 2015 is to actually start accomplishing the ridiculously long, laundry list of projects around here! So On Saturday afternoon, a burst of ambition and energy that followed a nap on the couch with the pup, yielded some results!

I didn't really take step-guy-step photos since I figured most people know how to paint but here's a quick and easy how-to for anyone who may not be so experienced with projects like these.

Since I wasn't going to paint the WHOLE wall, but purely just inside the frame, I had to mark it out.  I simply made sure it was sitting pretty centred on the wall (my light switches are on this wall so instead of trying to hide that, I just roll with it), then I popped a level ontop to make sure it was actually straight before I started marking.  Now, I'm not too great with numbers and measurements or anything like that so where some people would have done some sort of fancy measurements of the frame, the wall, the opening size and where the hanger is placed....... I literally used a pencil and traced the outside and inside (holding me pencil angled inwards when I did the inner part of the frame as I wanted to make my chalkboard portion slightly larger than the actual visible field).   I know most people are probably shaking their heads at this format, but it works for me.  Do whatever makes sense to you!
 

Then I used tape to tape off the edges of the inside frame (I also did the outer just for own reference).  While I was at it, I taped the baseboard, removed the light switch plate and put some tape over the switches.  Then I simply used a 1" brush and cut in around the edges and then filled the whole thing in.   I did thr first coat with a brush since I was being lazy and already had that out.  Of course, I wasn't happy with the finish so I did cost 2 with a roller and that worked much better.  I also just painted right over the screw that was still in the wall since I still planned on hanging stuff inside the frame.  Mostly this was due to laziness and the fact that if I had removed it and patched the hole, I would have to wait for someone who isn't creeped out by sandpaper ( like me) to come and sand it down; it was also partly on purpose cause this way, if I don't have something hanging, the screw doesn't stand out! 


When the paint still a little bit wet, I pulled off the tape which left me with nice crisp edges. Then it was just left to dry for a couple hours.  After I put the switch plate back on, I hung the frame and mirror back on the wall and called it a day since they suggest leaving it to fully dry for 3 days before curing the chalkboard. I couldn't stop looking at it- I really love the black wall! 

A few days later I donned some gloves and gritted my teeth so I could cure the chalkboard by rubbing a stick of chalk sideways all over the painted area.  I'm not sure why, but this is what prevents the first impression left by writing with the chalk from being permanent and helps it erase properly.

Then, I busted out the chalkboard markers and decided on what to put up there.  Since I was having some gas for dinner, I thought it would be a nice touch to have the menu on display!  I look forward to swapping out seasonal greetings, to-do lists, reminders or whatever I fancy. 

Overall, I'm super pleased with how things turned out and I can't believe it took me that long to get it done! I actually anticipate there might be a few more spaces in the houses getting the dark wall and/or chalkboard treatment very soon!
 
 
 
 
 
Let me know what you think!  Have you jumped on the chalkboard bandwagon?