Mixing Styles in Your Home

If someone asked me to pick one type of way to decorate my living space (vintage, modern, traditional, cottage, etc.) I would be very, very sad. I just love picking up pieces at vintage shops, rummage sales, and shopping online and in stores. Lots of styles appeal to my taste and I combining them is so fun! I also love changing up the decor every so often as well as re-arranging the furniture, but you knew that already. That's why I was delighted when One King's Lane contacted me and asked me to share about their resource guide. Unlike their shopping website, you don't need to sign up with an email to access a ton of great articles and tips on decorating and furnishing your home.

Since we've moved into our new apartment/loft almost 9 months ago, decorating and furnishing has been a fun project. One room that has been particularly neglected is our music room/guest room. (the only thing that makes it a guest room is that there's space for an air mattress) A couple months ago I purchased a navy and cream moroccan trellis rug and ever since then I've been wanting to do some decorating in this room. It's far from done, but here's what I came up with so far:

I decided to create the perfect reading nook in the music room, combining meaningful items and one-of-a-kind items.  The tall clock was a wedding gift from my mom which we love. The grey chair was actually a pink vintage rocking chair I got off craigslist and then did a fabric paint treatment which seals off germs. The wooden pair of pears were hand-turned by a family member.

This little 'moment' of space has everything I would need to enjoy a good book: a soft warm throw, a comfy chair, a reading lamp, a teapot waiting to refill my cup with earl grey. And let's not forget an amazing smelling candle.

You may remember these 1960's chairs from our previous home, when I found them discarded and totally redid them (or see the transformation here). Our living room is currently sporting caper and wine tones so these chairs are living in the music room for now.

Here's my side table, consisting of an ottoman with a weaved basket tray on top. This candle smells divine! I had a splurge moment at Whole Foods and had to buy it. The metal and glass top teapot is a vintage find. I found it at a Salvation Army store in MN and it came all the way from England. Also pictured is my favorite current mug. As a native NYC'er I saw this ceramic version of the classic NYC coffee cup and had to buy it. (or strongly hint, aka just tell my husband it's what I wanted for Christmas)

Hope you enjoyed a peek into my home! I look forward to sharing the rest of the room once it gets organized :)

Amazing Decor Items and Ideas: One King's Lane Resource Guide

Paddywax Fresh Fig and Cardamom Soy Candle:  Paddywax

NYC Ceramic Coffee Cup: MoMA Store

Architect Lamp: Target

Navy Rug: Rug USA

Easy Energy Bites

Some days I just don't have enough energy. Sometimes I am looking for a snack to take with me when I go out on errands so I don't buy an entire Whole Foods store. Or a Chick-Fil-A sandwich. In the past I've tried making granola bars, other times shelling out cash for pricey Cliff or Luna bars. To be honest, none of those bars really cut it for me on the taste test. Yeah, they're ok, but I can't rave about the oatmeal-chocolate-chip or carrot-cake flavors that seem to be so popular. My solution is energy bites- I pack a couple in my lunch bag or purse when I think I might need a quick burst of energy or snack to tide me over until the next meal.

These energy bites are fast, simple and relatively nutritious. They are easy to customize and can be made in raw and vegan versions. So grab your measuring cups and a teaspoon and give these a try!

Easy Energy Bites

1 cup uncooked oats (I like to use quick oats since they're smaller pieces than old fashioned. Do not use steel cut for these.)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup flax meal
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Shape into balls and chill 30 min. Ideally, store in the refrigerator or freezer. (I often put a couple in a sandwich bag in my purse for a couple days and they're fine) Makes 17-19 energy bites/balls.

Customize: Add a cup of coconut flakes,  1/4 cup diced crasins/raisins, sub the choco chips with butterscotch chips. Sub in almond butter or nutella (cut back on the sweetener if you use nutella).

*I've made this before using granulated sugar when I'm out of honey. They still taste pretty good and stay together in a ball. The honey is a better binder for sure, though.

*You can see from the picture above, I go pretty scant on the honey. I don't like these to be too sweet. Chocolate chips on the other hand, get a heaping 1/4 cup. Seems logical, right?

*Flax meal is available at health food stores, and occasionally I can find it at Big Lots for super cheap.

Just dump everything into the bowl and mix.

This is what your mix should look like when you are ready to shape them into balls.

You can make the bites/balls as big or little as you want. I usually make mine a little bit larger than a tablespoon. 

If you make these, I'd love to know- especially if you're tried a variation of this! Happy cooking!