Monday Obsessions: {bedroom pinspiration}

Well it's basically freezing and small, light snow flurries have been whirling around all day today.  The first day of spring has come and gone but it's still cold or we are getting completely drenched with rain.  I know I joke about my seasonal affective disorder...but I think I have it for real. I'm a bit miserable with my closet, shoes, trying to walk to the dog, and the legit prospect of no boat rides anytime soon.  

Luckily, the money I've been saving my spring clothes hasn't been spent because the weather is awful and I've therefore been funneling it towards my bedroom makeover.  I still have a few items to grab before the big reveal and I'd like The Housewife to come over and just take some legit pictures with her nice camera so I don't subject you to iphone snaps after all my hard work.  

I thought I'd show some pins that are inspiring my new bedroom.  Well, I'm as inspired as a poor person can be that can only decorate from Homegoods and Goodwill.

I always thought I'd indulge my random antler obsession downstairs, but I think that it would be neat to maybe have something small but statement-like above the bed like this gold gem below. 

//via//

Ignore the ombre wall...but let's pay close attention to more gold horns but also paired with a bench at the end of the bed that adds a pop of color.  Love this! 

//via//

 I also love the idea of a desk on one side of the bed that doubles as a night stand.  

//via//

Or maybe even a console table on one side?

//via//

My main conclusion -- decorating is hard.  I mean, a girl can pin all she wants but making  that shit happen in real life is a different story.  What's in your bedroom? What should I get to keep it up to date or look just a bit more put together? I obviously need something else to put my energy into while I have to stay inside from the cold, the wind, and the rain. 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Butter Really Does Make Everything Better

Just because the holidays have come and gone doesn't mean that my baking frenzy is over! I came yesterday and it was a very rainy afternoon. I had a migraine and thought my whole evening after work was completely done for, but I was cruising Pinterest after taking some meds and was suddenly feeling better and feeling inspired.  

Let's talk about the best part of this recipe -- I had all the ingredients measured out and practically had them all mixed together by the time my oven was pre-heated! What's better than a super easy bread recipe that takes next to no time and involves a beer? I used a leftover Guinness that was in the fridge since I had to buy them to make a beef stew a few weeks ago {that I never ended up blogging about}.  

I have linked the recipe to credit the person who came up with this delicious and easy bread, but you can also just read it below. 

~Honey Beer Bread~

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp honey or agave nectar
• 1 12 oz bottle of beer
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted (you can double if you want)

Yield: 1 Loaf

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9"x 5" x 3" loaf pan

In a medium bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir the beer and honey into the dry ingredients until just mixed.  Tip -- put the honey into the microwave for a bit to make it easier to mix!

Pour half the melted butter into the loaf pan. Spoon batter into pan, then pour the rest of the butter on top. 

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Serve immediately. 

Smells good!!! 

Butter really did make my day better. And beer.  And bread. 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions: Home Edition

After living in my house for about two and a half years I am finally starting to see at least one room come together -- my downstairs living/kitchen area. I am a very timid decorator and actually wouldn't even have come as far as I have without some guidance from my bestie Em, Pammi, and all the people who have given me their hand-me-down home items. 

Lately I have really been jealous of my married friends. Not because they have someone and I don't, but because they get to register for stuff.  I feel that the closer I get to 30 it's pretty unacceptable for me to not have any nice dishes for my friends and family to eat on when they come over.  So, with any luck and a decent tax refund these lovelies from C Wonder will soon be mine. I have seriously been obsessing over them night and day since I found them on Pinterest.  The other bonus -- the aren't outrageously expensive. 

I love the navy, but they also come in other colors. 

In other home decorating news I was able to get two fabulous pillows from Homegoods to finally fill up some space on my couch. I also ordered a gray/white chevron print pillow from Joss and Main this week but who knows when it will ship!  I will try to get some semi-decent pictures up when the other pillow is delivered. 

One more thing -- I actually placed my first Etsy order this week. I was pretty excited about it. They have so many original, affordable items.  The stuff I ordered was actually for a gift, but I am currently stalking antlers for the living room on the site as well.  I am suddenly and inexplicably obsessed with antlers now, too.  

What are you obsessing over for your house?! Where do you find your inspiration? The Housewife and I are on serious decorating missions for 2012.  

Love you. Mean it.

~the single gal~