Thursday, December 27, 2012

FAB $15 // NEW YEAR'S EVE ESSENTIALS

Can't believe that 2012 has come and gone. It's always exciting for me to anticipate a new year but at the same time, it makes me sad to realize how fast the time flies. I have a feeling that 2013 is going to be a pretty special (and hectic!) one. Wedding year, here we go!

This week's Fab $15 includes some NYE essentials - sparkles, tights and loud lipstick! What are your NYE must-haves?

Still not sure what my plans entail, but I'll be sure to share when I do. Here here! See you all next year.

xo,
Marit


Fab $15 Sources // Gap Tights, Target Wallet, Sephora Lipstick, Target Flats

MAINE RECAP

I finally downloaded some of my photos from our trip to Maine earlier this month. As I mentioned before, we went to meet my newest nephew, Kjelten (pronounced Kelton), and hang out with my sister Krista and brother-in-law Luke.  Portland, where they live, is where the majority of the people in Maine reside around - yet it still feels like a small little seaside village. The skinny brick streets made me feel a little bit like we were in Europe. As you can imagine, the food (not just the seafood!) is to die for and the shopping is pretty great too.

It was my fourth trip to Maine and each time I go I fall a little more in love with it. I could definitely see myself living there someday and look forward to our next trip back there. Miss that little man already!

 Portland
We spent a day checking out the Old Port, Portland. So many great little shops, restaurants and little brick streets that make you feel like you're in Europe.
 Old Port
 Hanging in my sister's mud room. So cool.
 We had so much amazing seafood. This picture was from lobster night. Fresh off the boat!
 My new nephew Kjelten was pretty amused by uncle Kim.
 Moose, the first dog I ever did love.
 Sadly, we didn't catch any lobster.
Coastal Maine Popcorn shop = an entire shop dedicated to flavored popcorn.
 A perfect fall day at the beach.
 Awkward couple photo :)
 Vinegar and olive oil tasting stations.
 The cutest little smiles.
 A day in Camden, Maine. Cappy's Chowder House.
 Quaint little streets.
 Downtown Portland.
Miss you already, Maine!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

WORDS TO LIVE BY


"NEVER LET YOUR MIND TELL YOUR HEART NOT TO WANDER"

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas break. I'm still coming out of a food coma and will share more about our little shin-dig soon.

I've been finding so many great quotes (accompanied by pretty pictures) on Pinterest and need to start sharing them. Love love love this one by The Fresh Exchange.

In the meantime, you can follow me on Pinterest here.

Friday, December 21, 2012

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 // LAST MINUTE STOCKING STUFFERS

As we all know, there are only three days left until Christmas! I'm starting to feel the mayhem that comes along with waiting too long to get presents, bake cookies and plan Christmas dinner. All of which I hope to accomplish this weekend..fingers crossed. 

Stocking stuffers are something I always forget to buy and they always end up being last minute picks. Sounds familiar? Have no fear! I've selected four fun stocking stuffers, all which can be found at popular stores in the U.S. and all cost under $15.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and merry Christmas vacation - however long it may be! This year, I will be making my first Christmas dinner for friends, taking advantage of 65 degree weather in December and hopefully doing lots of family FaceTime! It's going to be hard not being with family this year but I hope to make new memories and start some of our own holiday traditions while were at it. Cheers and Feliz Navidad! 

Stocking Stuffers (from top left, clockwise):

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

THE ROPES // MAINE TRUNK SHOW




Earlier this month, I took a trip to Maine to visit my sister's growing family. She had her first little one in October and I just had to meet the young man. We had such a relaxed, low-key time. It's always a great time visiting Maine and checking out all the adorable little towns along the East Coast.

The timing that I was there was perfect too. After working with Shana from The Ropes last year on a giveaway, I wanted to make sure I got to meet up with her on my trip. Well, it just so happened that her team was doing a holiday trunk show in Kennebunkport (hello, cutest town in America) while I was there at a great little shop called Spaces. It was so great meeting Shana and her team and checking out all her great new pieces had me wishing for summer already.

You can buy The Ropes online now (hooray!) at Spaces and be sure to check the brick and mortar shop out if you ever find yourself in the area.

INSIDER TIP: The Ropes is making necklaces now too in addition to their classic bracelets!


Monday, December 17, 2012

FAB $15 // HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE LITTLE LADIES


Can I just say how fast this holiday season is flying by this year? Can I also say that I'm sorry for my lack of posting lately and that this post didn't get out on Friday like it was supposed to?

Life has been crazy and between my trip to Maine (which I promise I'll be posting pictures of soon), work and Christmas coming in a few days, I just haven't had the time. I do hope to get back in the swing of it more in the new year though and have some really fun posts in the works!

This week's Holiday Gift Guide features four fun gifts, all under $15 for the little ladies in your life. Honestly, if those headbands and sweater fit me, I'd absolutely be wearing them right now!

Hope everyone had a wonderful week and I'll see you back here soon!


Gifts for the little lady:
1 // Knit Crown by Gap, $8
2 // Fawn Sweater by Old Navy, $12
3 // Headbands by Little Hip Squeaks, $10 each, packaged in three, however
4 // California Teething Toy (comes in almost all states!) by LittleSaplingToys on Etsy, $12


Friday, December 7, 2012

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 // MANLY GIFTS


Is it just me, or are guys impossible to shop for? Because of this, I always find myself buying the same ol' staples for my dad, brother and fiance - ties, shirts and gimmicky electronics that they will never use. This week I've curated a group of gifts that I think any guy would love in their stockings this year, all while staying oh-so-very manly ;)

1 // Ninja Wasabi Soap for Dangerous Men, by ElixrSoap on Etsy, $5
2 // Rustic Beer Opener, by Areaware, $14
3 // Wood iPhone Skin, by TreeShell on Etsy, $13
4 // Gun Powder Candle, by Man-Cans $9.50

For more Fab $15 posts, click here.

For the rest of my holiday gift guides, click here.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

SOUTHWEST INSPIRED LIFE

OUTSIDE // All these images remind me of my first road trip across the US on my way to California. Being in the middle of the desert on the open road is like nothing else.

image sources (clockwise from top left) 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

INSIDE // The southwest design can also be brought into your house. My favorite ways to incorporate the bold patterns are through rugs, pillows and blankets.

image sources (clockwise from top left) 1 // 2 // 3

ON YOU //  Another option is to incorporate southwestern patterns into your everyday style. Sweaters and scarfs everywhere, at ever price point, can easily be found.

image sources (clockwise from left) 1 // 2 // 3


Apology that a lot of these link to Pinterest and not the original source. If anyone has the original source on the Pinterest links, please let me know, thanks!


Friday, November 30, 2012

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 // HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE LITTLE MAN

When this post goes up on Friday I will be in Maine visiting my new little nephew. I plan to share lots of photos when I return so stay tuned.

Ever since my sister found out she was having a boy I became obsessed with all the cute little guy clothes out there - I used to think only little girl clothes were cute, but BOY (haha, pun) was I wrong.

For this week's Fab $15 gift guide, I've chosen four of my favorite finds for the little man in your life, all at a great price!

Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here next week.

Click here for more Friday Fab $15 posts.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

GEE WHIZ // EAST COAST HERE I COME


By the time this posts I will be on my way to the East Coast to visit my sister, bother-in-law and their new little guy! I've decided to stay in California this Christmas and instead spend this time with them in Maine. 

Kim and I will be spending Friday in Boston so if anyone has suggestions, do let me know. As always, you can follow along with my adventures on Insagram at @LovelyStruck. Maine has a special little place in my heart and I cannot wait to relax, bundle up and snuggle babies. See you back here next week!

Ps. I made this chalkboard design in Picasa last week (lyrics from my favorite holiday song, Gee Whiz, It's Christmas) by following this tutorial by Nest of Posies.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

HOLIDAY INSPIRATION BOARD // NEUTRALS


Hope everyone had a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving! I look forward to the day after Thanksgiving every year, not because of Black Friday (although I enjoy that too!), but because nobody can judge you at that point for putting out your Christmas decorations.

I love holiday decorations so much that there are little hints of Christmas in my home year-round. White deer heads and snow globes never go into storage around these parts. Even if you think tinsel and bright lights are obnoxious (I so don't!), or you are afraid that red and green are cheesy, there are still so many great neutral-toned ways you can jazz up your house around the holidays. I think the images above do it oh-so wonderfully.

How about you? Any Christmas decor that never quite makes it into storage?

From top to bottom:
diy rope light strand by a merry mishap

nutella cookies by hungry rabbit nyc 

pink antler decal from plaza interior

heart & antlers from basic label sweden

merry christmas window decal by unfinished kitchen door

Friday, November 16, 2012

FAB $15 GIFT GUIDE // TARGET HOME


Target never lets me down...except for when I check out and pay their $200 cover charge. Either way, they have been so ON lately, especially with their home goods. I'm currently loving their new Threshold line and all the new Christmas items are charming as ever.

In the spirit of giving (and saving a little money at the same time) I've created this week's Holiday Gift Guide around Target goodies and each can be found for $15 or under. You can now check hostess gifts off that list!

 Source: 1 ($15) // 2 ($7) // 3 ($10) // 4 ($13)

Check out more Fab $15 posts here.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

HAND PICKED // RUGS USA


A friend of mine recently introduced me to Rugs USA and I'm so glad she did. They have some amazingly stylish patterns and crazy good prices. Last week I took advantage of their 55% off sale and got a few for my apartment. I think rugs make such a statement in a space and are a fun and easy way to really change up the feel of a room. I'll be changing out my current jute rug for a little shag (#4) and can't wait for my toes to stay warm all winter long.

Above are some of my favorites that they currently have in stock and I've put hearts around the ones I chose for my place. Let me know what your favorites are!

Ps. I suspect they will have some ridiculously good prices around the holidays - so keep your eye out.

My picks: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Friday, November 9, 2012

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 // HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER

You guys! It's officially the holiday season. Let's call it. While I was watching TV last night, holiday commercials were playing galore and I got my first little twinge of holiday spirit (or maybe it was just excitement that the political commercials have finally stopped -  can we say hallelujah?). Either way, let the holiday blog posts begin. Last year I had such a fun time doing the 12 Days of Christmas posts, but this year you can look forward to weekly gift guides on Fridays, and yes, they will all be under $15! 

This week's gift guide is for the girly girl in your life. You know, the one who gets jazzed up to go out but also is oh-so content sitting at home watching a chick flick and eating ice cream - with a koozie, of course!

1.  A perfectly coral infinity scarf, Forever 21, $12 
3. Sparkly headband set, AEO, $12
4. Floral iPhone case, $13, Madewell

For other Friday Fab $15 posts, click here.





Wednesday, November 7, 2012

TEEPEE INSPIRED WEDDING




Maybe it's the teepee, maybe it's the bride's flower crown, maybe it's the hand-picked decor, maybe it's the gorgeous photos, orrrrr maybe its because its the same venue that I'll be getting married at, but this wedding is just awesome.

Leo Carrillo Ranch is Carlsbad, CA has so much historic spanish charm on its own, but this couple knew how to make it come alive. I'm truly smitten by this wedding and just might have to borrow a few of their ideas! Can't you just feel the love?

Special thanks to Tyler Branch Photography for letting me share these gorgeous photos!


Friday, November 2, 2012

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 // VINTAGE/RUSTIC WEDDING PICKS


Vintage and rustic-inspired weddings are adorable. We all know that. But they definitely aren't as cheap as you would think. All the "rustic charm" and second-hand pieces can actually cost you an arm and a leg...or so I'm learning! I have a list of pieces I've been trying to hunt down but it seems like everyone else must be too because the prices are jacked up - even at Good Will and the swap meets! Luckily, if you can't find everything you need from scouring through other people's junk (or treasures, depending on who you ask) or placing bids on ebay, there are always vintage rental companies. Or, with a little creativity and help from your friends, you can easily create a rustic vibe at your wedding with just a few pieces. Here are a few picks that I think could transform any wedding, event or eve home into a vintage/rustic-inspired space. And, indeed, they are all extremely affordable.

Surprise, not all are really vintage...

01. // 02. // 03. // 04.

For more Friday's Fab $15 posts, visit this link.



Wednesday, October 31, 2012

HALLOWEEN INSPIRATION BOARD


Happy Halloween! Here is some gorgeous Halloween inspiration to draw from while you wait for all the little gremlins. What are your big plans tonight?!

1 // black & white feathers
2 // pumpkin patch love
3 // pumpkin pie smoothie
4 // white pumpkins
5 // pumpkin soup print

Monday, October 29, 2012

STYLE FOR YOU TALL GALS

You may or may not know this, but I'm tall - like really tall - like pushing six feet tall. Everyone comments on how fun it must be being tall but I don't necessarily agree. While I've come to accept my height it was not fun at all growing up. All the boys were shorter than me {don't worry - I ended up finding an over six foot lad}, "long" pants didn't exist at my favorite teeney bopper stores and I just felt plain awkward.

Luckily around my college years it seemed like companies started realizing that there was a market for tall people too - not only the short people needed special lengths in their pants and dresses - not to mention sleeves! While it is still hard to shop at a lot of stores, and sometimes I just put up with awkward length pants because I can't find anything else, there are some favorites that I have come to rely on. All the stores in the Gap family {Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic} have tall sizes and another new favorite is LOFT. You pretty much always have to shop online for tall lengths still and I sure hope that changes in the years to come cause I'm not getting any shorter. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite {tall-sized} fashion picks.

Tall girls unite :) Are you tall? Have any favorite places to shop? Do share!

Sources:
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Friday, October 26, 2012

FRIDAY'S FAB $15 // WEST ELM MARKET


Presenting this week's Fab $15 - as always, I've hand-picked four items for under $15. West Elm, my favorite store, as many of you know, has just launched a new Market section to their website. It's full of unique garden, kitchen and personal care items like the ones pictured above. The chalkboard pots are such a cute idea and who doesn't love pretty packaged chalk?

Have a happy, healthy and fun weekend y'all!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

For more Fab $15 posts, click here.