How To: Decorate your Mantel

First things first, have you picked a theme? I find it easier to start decorating with I have decided what my theme or design scheme is going to be. Below is a snap shot of my home mantel; it is creative and random touches of inspirations but hold a modern feel

1. Find a center piece or focus point. This could be a mirror, large frame, clock. It must be something that draws in your attention; really grabs your audience. 

2. Balance with height. Find pieces that help bring the center full-circle. Example above: both side pieces really bring height to the mantel.

3. Add a pop of color or shine. This could be a vasa, frame or piece of art. I love using metallic's, especially in living rooms. The sunlight bounces off the metallic and brings in more natural light.

5. Photos. This is one place in your home you are fully allowed to show off family, friends, loved ones, places you've traveled, etc. Go ahead, show off!

5 Little Rules to Happiness

Someone once told me... keeping things simple, is the key to happiness. If anyone knows me, I rarely keep things simple, I always crave a little complication happening in my everyday. Doesn't everyone? #not

But I do believe in trying to keep life simple, or as simple as possible, and I think people need some guidance to keep grounded in this crazy word. 

1. Free your heart from hatred. Forgive, forgive, forgive and move on! Why hold on to hurt feelings? You don't have to be friends with someone who broke your heart, but you do need to forgive them to move on. 

2. Free your mind from worries. Holding on to worry only makes life more hectic. Focus on things you can control, and let your mind go on the things you can't. 

3. Live Simply. Everyday, all day. Whether this applies to fashion, food choices, decor, friendships, relationships, etc. Let it be simple #mymotto

4. Give More. Give more time to the people and things you love and make you happy. It will instantly lift your heart and happiness.

5. Expect Less. I've noticed the less I expect the more I receive. Let people and life surprise you. 

Build the perfect bar & cocktail

Here are a few fun essentials to building your in-home bar.

Glassware. These can come in any shape and size! Champagne flutes, martini glasses, wine stems, rock glasses, etc.

Fresh Garnishes: Every cocktail tastes a little bit better with a fresh cut lemon/lime or a mint leave. It's also a killer way to pop in some color and add some additional flavors.

The Booze. It's good to have on hand: Vodka, Rum, Tequila and Gin. This way you have a little bit for everyone, and you can create a variety of different cocktails. 

Straws. These can serve as two things. 

1.) A cocktail stirrer 

2.) A decor piece, you can mix in any theme you have going. 

Mix It. Its nice to have a variety of low-sugar mixers. Some good choices are: club soda, champagne or sparkling, and ginger ale. You can add a splash of ginger ale or some bubbles to sweeten up the cocktail. 

One of my favorites...

Mojoitio Sparkler

4 oz light rum, 1 tsp of lime juice, 6 fresh mint leave, 1 tsp of cane sugar, and club soda.

Muddle the lime, run, sugar and mint. Add the club soda, and boom you have a delicious summery beverage. 

5 Little rules to live by... When Decorating

I love this pin I found on Pinterest. 

1. The closer something is to your body, the better it should be. TRUE! One thing in my house that I'm constantly changing are my bed sheets. I love crawling into clean sheets, new colors and cozy designs. 

2. Surround yourself with quality, not clutter. I just moved into a new condo. I got rid of so much clutter during the move, so I didn't want to clutter up my new place with treasures from Home Goods, West Elum, TJ Max, etc. I mean, I definitely shopped, but I want to keep it simple and full of quality pieces that I love and couldn't live without. 

3. Every room needs something loving: flowers, goldfish, a pet. My condo is filled with living house plants. A fresh plant or flower, brings life into any room.

4. Honor the acts of daily living. Sometimes it nice to leave a blanket unfolded or magazine out. You don't want company to enter your space and feel like they can't touch anything!

5. Life should sparkle. Every house needs bling. Agreed. I found this awesome silver reindeer mantel and hung it above our TV in the living room. I'm in love with it. Not only does it add a little character to our space; but I love catching people looking at wondering.... What is that? Its my bling.