DIY Dipped Wine Glasses

This is a very simple project that ANYONE can do! I have seen some very cool (and very tacky) wine glass art and wanted to try it out. A current trend that you can find on everything from table legs to curtains is the paint dipped look. After looking around Etsy, I couldn't find any paint dipped styles on wine glasses that I liked, so I decided to try it out myself and purchased a couple white wine and red wine glasses from The Christmas Tree Shops. I wanted to try this out on something that was inexpensive so that I wouldn't be afraid to just go to town. Here are the supplies you'll need...

After some research on enamel paints and other glass and acrylic paints, I decided to go with these Martha Stewart multi-surface paints that are safe on glass. The reviews online were very good AND they are dishwasher safe after 21 days.

They come in lots of fun colors and finishes, these are the two I chose in a satin finish...

Begin by applying a strip of masking or painter's tape at the level you want the paint to stop. Make sure you have it completely straight and even with the rest of your glasses. Smooth over the tape to be sure no paint can seep under.

Once your tape is secure you are set to paint! I ended up painting 4 coats. There are still brush strokes visable, but I actually preferred that hand-painted look. The more coats you apply, the less you'll see the brush strokes. Follow the specific instructions on the back of the paint for drying time between coats. 

Also, be sure to place the wine glasses upside down when drying to avoid messing up the paint.

Have fun with this project and don't forget to let them cure 21 days before washing!
 -SQ

Lavender-Glazed Cheesecake

After having some not-so-great cheesecake last night this lavender-glazed cheesecake from Bites of Sweetness is even more tempting. I wouldn't consider myself picky by any means when it comes to dessert, but something went really wrong with that cheesecake. I've been getting into cake decorating lately and really love the idea of this stunning glaze to top a simple cake. Surprisingly, this cheesecake is very easy to make and the glaze adds the perfect hint of flavor to this delicious treat.

A Room with a View

I can't get enough of this gorgeous space. The sheer panels let in just enough sunlight and the pink couches set off the white walls and accessories perfectly. You can almost never go wrong with a beautiful crystal chandelier and the dark ceiling details pull the entire bright room together. I just want to curl up with a good book (let's be honest, a fashion mag) and chamomile tea.

From The Everygirl - Budget Find: H&M Bag

Saw this beauty pop up over the weekend on one of my favorite blogs The Everygirl. This adorable bag is LESS THAN $20 and also comes in black at H&M. It's the perfect accessory for the few warm nights we have left this summer!

Budget Find: H&M Bag   Imitation Leather Bag

Current Obsession: Blush to Coral Ombre

From weddings to shower curtains to cupcakes, the ombre trend is EVERYWHERE and I'm sure a lot of you are sick of it. But for some reason, maybe my consistent love of all things girly, the blush to coral ombre palette never fails to make me smile. Is this one of those trends that years from now we'll completely regret? Maybe. (Remember when you thought you'd wear those butterfly clips aligned on your hair line forever?) For now, enjoy these lovelies...

balloons  bridesmaids  stairs  aisle-runner  cake(my design)  nails  cocktail

A Chair Re-Do & Money Saving Tip

I am in no way a reupholstering master, but with a simple paint job and a staple gun anyone can make a quick change to a dining chair.

I found this beauty at a local thrift store for $4. One leg has a crack in the wood and the laminate on the backing is pulling away. Even though it probably isn't the best candidate, I fell in love with the intricate style and bought it anyway. If I had to do it again I would definitely remove the laminate backing because you can still see it pulling away even with the paint on (a small chair pillow is a good fix); I just look at it as adding to the vintage look:)

My vision was a chair that could add a pop of color in the corner of a room and not necessarily have to support anyone sitting in it. I had a can of turquoise paint laying around so I decided to go with it. I applied two coats and then three coats of a polyurethane top coat.

I purchased the navy material for $1 (yes ONE DOLLAR) at a sidewalk sale for a store owned by a highly sought after interior designer. It was just a scrap, but a scrap from a high quality piece of material and a good find!


























*A great tip for quality material on a budget: Find a local interior designer and see if they would be willing to give you some scraps or old samples laying around. Chances are, they'll be happy to give their scraps to be used on a new project.

     -SQ

The Dreaded Question

You know, that moment when you're at the family reunion or run into an old friend's mom at the grocery store and they so innocently ask "So ____ (insert nickname you haven't used in 10 years) what are you doing these days?" Chills run up your spine and immediate underarm perspiration begins. The answer always begins with "Well..." and is usually followed by a quick recap of every resume you've submitted the past year and an over-exaggeration of your mind numbing assistant job. Truthfully, my reply should include the endless hours of pinning my future wedding, mastering the art of DIY picture frame projects and navigating the oh-so-difficult map of Grey's Anatomy reruns. The simple question meant for friendly catch up has become one of the most dreaded to many early twenty-somethings *except for those perfectly annoying few that already have it all together and of course they have their wedding planned for next June. I'm slowly learning to be content in this dragging period in my life and it's already looking up for me. The next time someone blurts this lovely phrase I can add "Oh yeah-and I just started my own blog..."

How do you deal with this bundle of joy?

     -SQ