Design Inspiration Monday

Happy Leap Day!  What's so exciting about today is that there's an extra Design Inspiration Monday for you to enjoy!  This grand eclectic living room showcases an abundance of pattern, wood detailing, and color.  The sage green staircase pairs perfectly with the salmon color furniture.  I also love the unique wood carved panels on the staircase that complement the wood carving around the doorway.  What is it about this room that peaks your interest?

Image Source:  Lonny

{whatever wednesday}

{whatever wednesday} this week features some cutouts, crescents, fitness tanks, plants, and my very thoughts during my first barre class.

{Perfect Cutout Bootie:  Sole Society 'Ferris'}

{New Favorite Yoga Line:  YogaRX Clothing}

{Mood:  Me during my first Barre Class on Saturday}

Find Pure Barre Classes Near You

{Terrarium Dreams:  Cacti Ledges}

{For Home:  Crescent Moon Catch-All Dish}

Design Inspiration Monday

This room.  The straight lines carry from the shape of the sofa to the lines on the rug.  The contrasting black and white is broken up with dark brown pieces mixed in.  The splash of color with the plum velvet accent chair is a pleasant surprise and doesn't draw attention away from the neutral flow of the room.  Also, my eyes almost instantly noticed that rose quartz colored pillow on the sofa and the faux cow head taxidermy on the wall.  I'm seriously obsessing over rose quartz and faux taxidermy right now...it may be a phase.  We'll see.  Moving on to the oversized bookcase, rustic reclaimed desk with the hutch.  Love how the faux fur on the chair at the desk makes more fun, cozier and less of a "work" space.

What's your favorite part of this room?

Image Source:  decordemon: Land of contrasts

National Margarita Day

It seems like there's a national day for everything nowadays but National Margarita Day is a day I'm down to get down with.  Here are 4 of my favorite St. Louis establishments to sip margs at in no particular order...because they're all awesome.

Mission Taco Joint

There are 2 locations in St. Louis.  Delmar and Soulard.  The Delmar, being the first location, is awesome, great service and bartenders, and in a really hip and fun area of St. Louis.  The Soulard location (also awesome with great service and bartenders) is a renovated garage, so nice days, the garage is open so it's more of a patio vibe.  Also, Soulard is where the 2nd biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the country takes place, so you know it's a cool area.

Regardless of which location you go to, you MUST get a fried Baja fish taco.  All you're going to do is salivate at the mouth until your first bite, be seriously depressed after the last bite, and all I have to say is, "I told you so.  You're welcome."  Also, everything is a la carte so you can get a Baja Fish Taco, a Grilled Chicken Taco, A Carne Asada Taco, a Chorizo Taco and make a whole taco flight out of it!  TACO PARTY SAY WHAT!

Image Source:  Yelp User

Oh, and back to the base of this post.  The margarita is required.  The Oaxacan Firing Squad is also amazing, but don't ask me how to pronounce it.  I say it wrong every single time.

Mission Taco Joint Locations

Delmar

6235 Delmar Boulevard

St. Louis, MO 63130

Soulard

908 Lafayette Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63104

  

Chava's

Chava's is also located in Soulard.  What I love about Chavas is the Pomegranate margarita.  My dear friend, Marti, and I thought it was so delicious that we decided to share an entire pitcher of it (silly girls).  Let me say it reallyyy hit us when we stood up :)  They also have Mango Margaritas, Orange Cream Margaritas, Blueberry Margaritas, basically any margarita flavor imaginable.

For food at Chava's, they have an appetizer called Jenas, which are jalapeno halves stuffed with Mexican sausage and white cheese.  SO GOOD.  Also, they have a build your own burrito option, which I'm a big fan of.

Photo Source:  Event Seeker

Image Source:  Foodspotting

Chava's Location

925 Geyer Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63104

Pueblo Solis

Huckleberry margarita.  Now I'm still not sure exactly what a huckleberry is (I had to Google it because the only Huckleberry I'm familiar with is Finn), but it's seemingly a type of fruit that looks like a blueberry.  Regardless, it tastes delicious in margarita form.  The Queso Fundido appetizer is where it's at.

Image Source:  Pueblo Solis 

Image Source:  Pueblo Solis

Pueblo Solis Location

5127 Hampton Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63109

Chimichanga's Mexican Restaurant

Now as far as "cheap Mexican eats," this is for sure a gem.  The recently extended margarita menu includes a peach, which was peach perfection, in addition to their long running Bluesky Lime Margarita.  If you're having a bad day, head to Chimichanga's.  The bright colored, cheery, faux palm tree decorated, always crowded patio is a favorite and will instantly boost anyone's mood.  On your birthday, they'll sing to you, place a colorful sombrero on your head, and make you take a tequila shot while they have everyone's attention.  I know because it's happened to me.

Chimichanga's Location

5425 South Grand Boulevard

St. Louis, MO 63111

Also, if you're looking for accessories to celebrate this joyous day, start with some festive feetsies:

{Gypsy Warrior - Margarita Socks}

Happy National Margarita Day!  Where are some of your favorite establishments for margaritas and Mexican food?

{whatever wednesday}

On {whatever wednesday} this week, you'll find some cutesy little Etsy accessories, spring break must haves, terrarium things, and a touch of flamingo.  Enjoy!

{Etsy Finds:  HOW adorable are these mini book necklaces from Bunnyhell?!}

{Spring Break Must Have:  Fujifilm Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera}

{Keep it cool:  Shake It Off Can Cooler}

{Room Accessories:  Mini Geo Terrarium}

{Ultimate Glamping:  Flamingo trailer}

Now, this pink flamingo camper would definitely get me to a campground.

Taylor was already Famous, Kanye.

By this time, we've all heard Kanye's stab at Taylor in his new release "Famous".  If you haven't, it goes a little something like, "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why, I made that bitch famous."  My oh my, where to even begin with everything that is wrong about that statement.

First of all, Taylor was already famous.  Flashback to the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards.  She would NOT have been on the stage accepting the Moon Man for Best Female Video for "You Belong With Me" when Kanye so rudely interrupted her speech, leaving a 19-year old Taylor Swift mortified.  Before that 2009 encounter (the one Kanye is referring to where he made Taylor famous by acting like a foolish jackass), Taylor's career had already taken off.

Let's go over some of Taylor's pre-2009 accomplishments, just for fun:
15 songs on the Billboard Hot 100
1 Academy of Country Music Award
1 American Music Award
1 CMA Award
5 CMT Music Awards
3 Teen Choice Awards
1 Grammy Nomination

So, Kanye, where were you while Taylor was writing and recording "You Belong With Me"?  Obviously stuck in your own egotistical, arrogant asshole-only bubble.  As for Kanye saying he feels misunderstood (yet AGAIN) and called Taylor to make sure she was cool with the "Famous" lyrics, I believe is a crock of shit.  WHY! WHY on EARTH would she allow someone take credit for what she has accomplished?  Also, Taylor had brushed the 2009 awards show under the rug, but leave it to Kanye to bring up old drama and slam someone for no reason.

Second of all, I don't know that I would want to piss off Taylor's squad.  Her brother, Austin, posted a video of starting spring cleaning early in which he threw a pair of Yeezy sneakers in the trash.  Calvin has already proven to be over-protective of his girl, so I don't think he'll let this slide by and become BFFs with Kanye anytime soon.

Third.  Kanye.  You're married and have a daughter now.  Rapping about who wanted to have sex with who may have been cool 4 years ago, but now that you're a husband and father, making it even more grossly distasteful.

Until last night's Grammy Awards, Taylor had stayed mum about the whole ordeal.  She used her acceptance speech for Album of the Year for "1989" to punch back at Kanye.

"I want to say to all the young women out there:  There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or fame.  But if you focus on the work and don't let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you're going, you'll look around and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there.  And that will be the greatest feeling in the world.  Thank you for this moment."

Always inspiring and a real class act, Ms. Swift.  Well done.

There's a difference between a celebrity doing or saying things for shock value and being such an ass that it's shocking.  So, Kanye, learn to shut up sometimes.  And don't run for president.  Please.  For the sake of America.

Image source:  Getty Images

Design Inspiration Monday

Happy President's Day!  I hope you enjoyed Valentine's Day weekend (and extended weekend if you were able to enjoy today off).  Feeling the patriotic vibe today, I found inspiration in this vintage spirited Manhattan apartment.  The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Newburyport Blue where an extraordinary Civil War-era flag is displayed.  The velvet blue sofa adds more texture to the room and a plaid ottoman replaces a classic coffee table.  What's your favorite thing about this living room?

Image credit:  House Beautiful

{whatever wednesday}

This week's {whatever wednesday} 5 picks include stress relief and creativity for adults, a Super Bowl favorite, a hoppy Valentine DIY, a real gem of a clutch (that's currently 75% off), and the Mexican food lovers ideal tank.

{Pre-Order Now:  Vogue Coloring Book}

{Favorite Part of Super Bowl Sunday:  #SB50 #PepsiHalftime Show}

Image courtesy of Coldplay's Facebook

{Valentine's Day DIY for him:  I <3 You Beery Much}

{Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend:  Wishlisted Clutch from by Charlotte Olympia}

{Must Have Tank:  Burritos and Beer}

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for galentines }

What exactly is Galentine's Day?  Well, it's an event created by Leslie Knope on Parks & Recreation, typically celebrated on February 13th as a pre-Valentine's Day get together for you and your gal pals.  BFFs, Sister, Moms, favorite barista, co-workers.  Ladies celebrating ladies.  Leave the men at home and celebrate by hosting a brunch, dance party blasting Taylor, Katy, Selena, and Queen B, or get all the girls together at your favorite wine bar.  Don't forget pink everything and sweet treats!

Of course you want to show love for your bestie who always supports all your crazy endeavors, won't sugar coat anything, is always there, and loves you for you...because friendships are EVERYTHING.  Here's a gift guide featuring nail polish, cat mugs, a selfie remote, tees that tell it like it is, and more that'll tell your soul sister how much she means to you (or treat yo self).  Are you into Galentine's?  What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate?

Missguided polka dot sleepwear / ASOS cotton jersey / Talbots heart socks / Clava bag / Glenda López red ring, $57 / Monsoon gold tone jewelry / Chiara Ferragni tech accessory, $44 / Full Tilt metal frame sunglasses / Missguided iphone cover case / Essie nail polish / Black and white mug / Natural life / The Selfie Remote Control

'Thanks for being my unbiological sister' Initial Necklace from poweandjade on Etsy

Here's a great how to on throwing a Galentine's Day Party.  Everything from the photo booth to decor and drinks to dessert!  How to Host a Galentine's Day Party

If you happen to be in the St. Louis area, please join us for our Galentine's Day Celebration at Style Your Space on Saturday, February 13th from 11 am - 4 pm.  Sweet treats, Rosé all day, discounts, and great gifts to surprise your Galentine or treat yo self!  See more details at our Facebook events page:  Celebrate Galentine's Day at Style Your Space

Image source:  Galentine's Cards

Design Inspiration Monday

This neutral, modern farmhouse dining room features pops of green.  The uniform lighter color wood between the floor, bench and table creates a consistent look, which I find pleasing to the eye.  The silver metal chairs on the opposite side of the bench add the industrial flair.  Green velvet wingback chairs at the end of the table add a spunky pop to the otherwise colorless room.  What do you think about this dining room?

Image via Jen Langston Interiors 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for him }

Surprise the special dude in your life with a gift he'll love.  Clothing, accessories, and even an engraved beer mug, which will come in handy come baseball season!

peace, love, sparkles and flamingos,
Allison