Don't Hate Me Because I'm Not Shabby

Don't hate me because I'm not shabby!!

Is it weird that I want to get rid of my TV because it's not shabby chic?  The TV I currently have stands out like a sore thumb in my apartment, because it is disproportionately big, dark and heavy. As you can see, it's one of those old CRT numbers, so it's HUGE!! Also, it's sitting on a matching TV stand, which I absolutely hate. I am not into generic TV stands at the best of times, never mind these 1980s-type mass-produced stands like the one my gigantic TV is sitting on as I type this.

Part of the reason I haven't gotten rid of it is because it's so heavy I can't move it, and part of the reason is that I don't have another TV to replace it with yet, and I'm not prepared to go without.  A girl needs her Dancing With The Stars.

But what if I didn't have to go without?  What if I could have a new TV?  A shiny, white shabby-chic-decor-friendly television like the one below (which is also on sale, I might add).  I know it's silly to buy a new TV when I already have one that works perfectly fine, but I think I'm about to blow a month's worth of grocery money on a shabby chic television. 

Buy me!.  I'm on sale at Best Buy!!

Forever,
Amber

Just Call Me Inspired

Hello shabby chicanistas! There are some very big changes happening for me on the home front. In an effort to supplement my income while I'm finishing my university degree, I have decided to share shabby chic space with an international student from Milan, Italy. Her name is Rosa, and she's very sweet. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better, and maybe learning a little Italian. :)

I have turned to my fellow shabby chic bloggers for inspiration on how to turn my not-so-big front room into both my living room and sleeping space, and boy did I find it! If you haven't visited the blog Simply Me ... you simply must. I'm not sure of her name, but her eye for the shabby chic look is absolutely spot on, and her home is like a shabby chic wonderland. Brilliant! I am using images from her beautiful blog as inspiration for my new dual-purpose living quarters. Stay tuned!

Again, all these stunning images are from Simply Me.

Forever,

Amber

Beauty Sleep

Organizational Heaven

Shoes (L); Shimmery Light Fixture (Above)

One of the best architectural features of my apartment is the double-entrance walk-in closet.  Not only do I like the way it gives my apartment some extra body from the outside ... I love all the extra space it provides.  Let's just say it's sixteen square feet of pure organizational heaven! 

I've girlified it by using a three-tier serving platter to hold my cosmetics/accessories and placing a hanging, shimmery sheath over the light fixture to create a sparkling chandelier effect.

I am fortunate to have another large closet in my bedroom, which I use for clothing, so this one is mainly for accessories, books & beauty products (oh, and some household/cleaning supplies).

In the picture below you can see all of the diaries I've kept since I was a young girl ... I've got quite the collection!!  Anyway, must run, but I will take more pictures soon, as these are from when I first moved in.

Three-tier serving platter used for odds & ends (R)

Forever,
Amber

Shabby Chic Thanksgiving

Cottage in the Oaks - Etsy

Happy thanksgiving to all of my Canadian shabby chicanistas! What a beautiful weekend to celebrate, with the weather being so absolutely perfect. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday!

What comes to mind for you when you think about Thanksgiving? I won't lie ... I think about silver serving trays piled high with home-cooking (not mine), rustic farmhouse tables covered in vintage linens and set with sterling silver tableware. Wine by the bottle, poured into beautiful antique canisters and served in crystal goblets.  

Okay, okay. Don't be so quick to judge. Of course I also think about all the gifts in my life for which I am truly thankful. Can you blame me for daydreaming about table settings, vintage candelabra and floral arrangements when they are as pretty as the ones below? ;)

  

White Linen Table Cloth Pom Pom Interiors

As seen at Ruffled Blog

Pom Pom Interiors

Linen Napkins from Pom Pom Interiors

Hotel Silver from P.O.S.H. Chicago

Burlap Table Runner Ruffled Blog

Gorham Sterling Serving Platter at The Find

Vintage Candelabra MorrellDecor - Etsy

Mini Chalkboard Place Card Ruffled Blog

Forever,

Amber

Crazy for Candles

Vanilla Candle from Ikea $1.99

Embellished Candle Holder (Right-side)

Block Candles from Ikea

 Vintage English Brass Planter (Left)

Love the worn patina!

More block candles & scented water beads

Forever,

Amber

Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic

Well, I am off to la-la-land after a long day of studying, grocery shopping and laundry. 

Below are some of the images from the Shabby Chic website that first inspired me to learn more about the style. Also, in doing this post, I have realized I've barely paid tribute to the queen and creator of Shabby Chic herself, Rachel Ashwell. I promise I will take the time to write an entry deserving of her contribution to this style we love so much ... just not tonight! Nighty night, shabby chicanistas! xo

 

Forever,
Amber