I've gone consignment crazy!!

I posted about my first consignment experience yesterday... well, I just couldn't help myself. I did more browsing today. Let's just say I found my consignment utopia!!

Check it out:

I L-O-V-E this tufted chair... I really want to get it and have it re-upholstered.

I think this would be a great little side table with a stack of books on the bottom shelf.

Oh and this one I just adore. I think it'd be a great TV stand, but there's no where to hide the DVD player and DVR. But oh the storage for all my DVDs. Maybe it could be a cute coffee table?

If I do the above as a coffee table, maybe this could be my tv stand? Are two white pieces so close together in a room a no-no?

And then what about this as a side table? Is it just all too much? HELP!!

I've gone consignment crazy and I need your decorating advice!!! xoxo, E

New design, consignment finds, and chef in the making...

Introducing a new Belle of the Wall design: "Sweet Caroline"

My 8 year old niece was the inspiration for this piece. While living in LA last summer, I discovered that Caroline and I are incredibly similar. She loves to take silly pics like her Aunt Liz...

... and one day I walked into my room to find her wearing my shoes.

Maybe a size or two too big.

Her mom gave me a headband from Anthro before I left and I let Care try it on. She looked absolutely precious in it and I told her she could have it if she wanted. In her sweet way, she looked at me and said, "Aunt Liz, we can share. You keep it for a year and I'll keep it for a year." Well, it's time for the butterfly headband to return to LA. That story is the inspiration for this new piece... "Sweet Caroline."

I went to a consignment store in the QC today and found two pieces that I am head over heels for... Sidebar - are you one of those people that discover amazing finds at yard sales, Goodwill, or your local salvation army? I've never had any luck. And although consignment isn't exactly the same situation, I was thrilled that I've found 2 pieces of furniture that meet the needs of what I've been looking for, for under $200.

This trunk will be a great end table.

And this table is ideal for a coffee table. I like that it's white and will bring light into the room. I also LOVE the underneath storage. So many of my coffee table books will look terrific under there!

Hoping to make these purchases this weekend and take advantage of the stores "no tax" promotion for the holiday weekend.

And finally, the chef in the making portion... I found a recipe in "Cooking Light" last week for spicy chipotle shrimp salad with grilled pineapple. I prepared it tonight and it was yum-o. I love this cooking kick that I'm on. And I'm bound and determined to do it alone. I ask Mommacita the occasional question, but try to do all the prep and execution myself (she was a super help and peeled the shrimp tonight... as well as cleaned up the kitchen after. Her philosophy is, "you cook, and I'll clean up." However, I know there's a hint of an ulterior motive there: she knows I wouldn't get the kitchen as clean as she likes. No one works up elbow grease like Mommacita! Girlfriend is ripped!)

Well, it's time for bed! We are almost, officially mid-week! Bring on the looooong weekend! Do you have Monday off from work? I sure hope so! xoxo, E

Yet another etsy obsession, sad but true...

Found Alexandra Ferguson's etsy shop today... I'm late to the party, but am totally in love with her pillows!!

xoxo, E

Oh, I love this...

My three favorite USA boys are together at a minute, twenty seconds. I could watch this over and over and over again. Enjoy! xoxo, E

Introducing my shop!!!

It's time to announce the name of my shop!!

Drum roll please...

Welcome to the official home of

Belle of the Wall

I'm really excited to start selling my pieces online!

To view my portfolio of work and order, click on the logo on the right side of the page.

Welcome, welcome!! I'm so excited!!

I look forward to this next adventure, and I'm glad you're coming along with me!

xoxo, E

TGIF

Goooooooooooood Morning world!!

What a crazy 12 hours:

First, my head hit the pillow when I got home from work yesterday (at like 5).

Second, I was AT the gym by 5:40 this morning. E say what?! I never, ever, ever go to the gym that early, but I've got to say I'm feeling pretty good right now. Although, I'm pretty sure the stair master killed me.

Third, I had the most bizarre dreams last night:

1. I was back at my high school and ran into an old crush. His mom kept saying "go talk to him, go talk to him." I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyway. After we said the cordial "hello," he kept repeating: "this is awkward. this is awkward. this is awkward." I mean, come on, who says that?! I think it in my head all. the. time. But to say it is just... well... awkward (hehe)

2. I was walking through the halls of my middle school (I'm regressing!!) desperately searching for the classroom where I was supposed to take my AP Statistics final exam. Ohhhh, I could analyze the pooey out of this one. (do you remember my anxiety from my college Business Statistics class this last semester? thought it was going to be my first "C," luckily I pulled out an "A.")

Needless to say, it was a relief to wake up to my 5am alarm this morning.

On a much lighter note, this is the piece that is inspired by Mommacita.

Besides the fact that she is OBSESSED with lamps... seriously, our house is so well lit... she will always walk into a room and say "do you need this light on?" Got to love the Momma instinct to make sure I can see without straining my eyes. So, this piece is the newest addition. Lovingly titled, "Do you need this light on?"

SO excited to have sushi with CB today! xoxo, E

Add it to the list... or to my "bookmarks"

Ok, where's the line between sophisticatedly decorated walls and those that are wallpapered with art? Pretty sure I'm crossing over into the latter on my "wall art wish list"... or the bookmark folder with all the links...

Thank you Down and Out Chic for blogging about Vol25... I am now obsessed!

I didn't exactly stick to my "putting down the scissors, fabric, and buttons" promise last night. Loving the newest addition to the designs =) Inspired 1000% by Mommacita.

Happy Thursday! xoxo, E

Hodge podge post + asking advice...

Yesterday was a crazy-busy, but awesome.

The work day FLEW by, and I got in a little quality time with the treadmill.

After, I grabbed a quick bite to eat and started working on some more pieces.

Tonight's focus was customizing an existing design.

"Sassy Scottie" has been adapted into...

"Jackpot and Tucker Go for a Stroll."

(the cutest jack russell and dachshund living near NC's state capital... notice the dachshund fabric for the fire hydrant; I just love it!)

and "Sassy Sadie Struts Her Stuff."

The puppy dog is Miss Sadie, CB's cocker spaniel. You can see the REAL Sadie here. CB has done so much for me this summer. She's been a great mentor at my internship (not to mention she helped me get my foot in the door), a confidant, a source of laughter, and an inspiration in many ways. I was thrilled to do this custom piece for her.

In the midst of working, Momma made a sweet peach and raspberry cobbler to take to Uncle G tomorrow. She made a miniature one for us... after all, you must taste before you take!!

And O-M-G was it delish!

(side note: today has been a "I want to go back to Boston NOW" day. Driving home from work, "Sweet Caroline" came on the radio. No lie, as I was singing along, a car with a HUGE red sox sticker on its back window drove by. And then Momma made the cobbler that is a recipe from "Stephanie's on Newbury," our FAVE spot in Boston for yummy dessert.)

Now for the ADVICE part of the post: I'm putting down my scissors, iron, fabric, and buttons to focus on the online presence for my shop (oh, I'm DYING to tell you the name). I can't decide if etsy, paypal on my blog/a new blog, or a website for the shop is the way to go. Those of you who sell on etsy/your blog/etc., what do you think??

If you want, you can email your thoughts to me: ElizabethMellisNewton(at)yahoo(dot)com. I REALLY appreciate your insight.

Happy hump day! xoxo, E

Big News

Well, I've decided to do it! I'm going to open an online shop for my work.

I'll be revealing the name soon =) I'm really excited!

I've already received three requests for custom orders.

That's what I'm most excited about... creating individual, custom pieces for people to encompass who they are, what they love, or their sense of whimsy.

Of course I already have a few styles created, but I'm eager to add more and start customizing!

The new piece I did last night is...

"Dapper Dan"

I'm really excited about this fun and (more) masculine piece.

xoxo, E

Weekend a la wonderful (plus giveaway foreshadowing...)

Whew, what a weekend.

I feel like this weekend FLEW by. Oh my goodness.

In the last week, I've discovered new "work" that I am just in LOVE with. Here are the latest designs...

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

"Fruits of Your Labor"

"Sassy Scottie"

More designs to come... plus I've got a "manly" idea in the works, M's special request.

I'm seriously considering starting a little business with these pieces. I truly love doing them, and I'm getting great feedback.

(p.s. be on the lookout for a GIVEAWAY soon!)

Mommacita decided to start the re-decorating process for my bedroom here at home. LOVING it so far!

We've still got some work to do on the walls, but it's looking FAB so far. I might not be able to tear myself away to go back to OKC! (Duvet and lamp from Anthro.)

Got some pretty OUTSTANDING news today. Turns out, one of my EB girls won't be leaving the OKC for at least another year! Hip Hip Hooray!! I'm so excited to be able to continue to build our friendship, deeply rooted in all things girlie and laughter =)

Also, today was a pretty special day as many of you are aware... it's PAPAS' day (as it was renamed in our house)!! Papas got in from Paris this afternoon, and I had decided to make him dinner as his special surprise. Mommacita found a recipe, courtesy Bobby Deen, for Basil Butter Mahi Mahi (we went with Halibut b/c the FM didn't have Mahi). This was the first time EVER that I've cooked a meal start to finish without any help. I was UBER nervous but I put on my big girl pants and did a pretty great job (if I do say so myself... plus the diners said it, too. lol)

Back to work tomorrow =) Can't wait to spend more quality time with CB!! Definitely a highlight of my summer! xoxo, E

Sass a frass

Below are pictures of what I've been working on lately. I love using the creative side of my brain =)

"Girl with the Ruffle Collar"- purple, small

"Girl with the Ruffle Collar" - green, large

"Bon Voyage" - a la Europe

"Drama Queen" - teal and brown

"Drama Queen" - multi

trying to come up with the next craft project =) xoxo, E

Standby...

Been working on a few new projects.

You saw the first two here, but there are more in the works. Hooray!

Hoping to post pictures this weekend.

As for now, I'll leave you with the fabrics I'm drooling over (...thanks to CB and her constant attempt to expose me to all things crafty... and delicioso! But that's for another post at a later time, lol)

Happy Friday! xoxo, E

Drama Queen

I have been labeled a bit of a drama queen a time or two by Mommacita... I'm not denying it.

As an homage, check out my latest art project.

I'm still adapting and making changes to find the perfect combination, but here are the first two I've done...

Unfortunately for this one, I didn't think about the clash between the buttons and the polka dot fabric. Oh well.

As the REAL queen would say, "Cheerio!" xoxo, E

Domestic Diva-licious

I'm determined to learn to cook this summer... I've said that before but I really mean it this time.

So far so good =) With Momma's help, I feel that I've mastered roasting vegetables. Yummy sweet potatoes and white asparagus with Hawaiian Salmon on Sunday night. Parsnips and sweet potatoes with Bourbon Salmon last night.

I've got a whole slew of recipes that I've printed off the internet that I'm excited to try out. I'm thinking that I should start looking at recipe books as well. Momma has quite a collection, including Ina Garten's "Back to Basics," which I think I want a copy of for myself.

My books look like this:

I'm kind of a dessert fiend =)

Oh! I do have Dave Lieberman's book "Young and Hungry." But to be honest, I have the book because I have a little crush on him, lol. I DID make one recipe from the book though!

I've been up since 4am... unintentionally. We'll see how today goes. I'm on my third Diet Dr. Pepper already. Eek!

xoxo, E

dear diary...

I hate to treat my blog as a diary... I mean, really, do you care?

I don't think so.

LOL.

So, if you are not in the mood to borrow my diary and pick the lock with a bobby pin, I suggest you move on to the next blog on your "daily read" list. =) I will not take offense.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

.we can thank the Roman poet Sextus Propertius for this phrase.

Do you subscribe to this belief? I surely do not. In fact, in my humble opinion, I think it's a load of bull-oney.

Absence makes:

The friendships harder.

The tears flow faster.

The drama grow bigger.

The text alerts ring fewer.

The regret for missed opportunities hurt deeper.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I'm sure, to many of my friends, it seems as though I have dropped off the face of the planet (except for my twitter and blog updates, of course).

I have never been very good at "keeping in touch." Luckily, with many of my friends, we pick up right where we left off:

- EBA has been my bff since the day she was born (I've always made that distinction clear, seeing as how I am 3 months, 4 days, 4 hours, and 32 minutes older.)

- You might remember in my post here that I mentioned a reunion with my girl Cran.

- With my EB girls, the random text, tweet, or FB post keeps the friendship alive.

- With other friends, the social networking correspondence also rings true.

- Last night I received a phone call from a number I didn't recognize... from a friend that I only spent 10 days with... 5 years ago... at a leadership conference... and the conversation was incredibly enjoyable.

I think this is a shortcoming of mine, but it seems that my summer vacation can manifest itself in a "vacation" from my friendships.

I do not like to live in the past or feel discontent. Rather, I fully immerse myself in my present. I think that's where I'm at right now.

So, allow me to amend my earlier statement...

Absence does make the heart grow fonder... if you allow it.

I know that when I am reunited with my friends, I will realize just how much I have missed them and how much I value and love their presence in my life. The different ways in which we show that "fondness" that dear old Sextus talks about, makes us fabulously unique. After all, I would NOT want to be friends with 10 other versions of myself. How boring?!

Okay, diary entry closed... for now... wink, wink.

xoxo, E

Ow...

Step. Ouch. Step. Ow. Step. Oh My Goodness!

I can tell it's been over a month since my playlist has been set to "running." After two miles in 17 minutes yesterday, I am feeling it today.

In addition to the soreness, my back is killing me from the massage chair at the nail salon... it MUST have been set to "deep tissue massage" because, while it felt great at the time, my shoulder blades are bruised :(

Oh well. No pain, no gain?

Running again today. Woot woot!

Excited to post my domestic diva endeavors. Let's just say the knives are choppin', the veggies are roastin' and the kitchen is smellin' good =)

No mundane Monday here! xoxo, E

An apology and fun-filled Saturday

Sending out an apology to Mommacita for posting the cockroach on the blog. Hehe. I just couldn't resist. Pretty sure that's not the image my domestic diva momma wanted the blogosphere to see.

(a quick update on my "friend." He was still alive when I went to check on him today. after re-capturing him (yes, he escaped for about 7 seconds), I slipped a piece of papas' mail under the glass and released my "friend" back into the wild. PETA, no phone calls please. LOL)

Mommacita indulged my "big girl world" mood today.

First, we went to her favorite boutique to pick me up a hand-towel rack. I ordered these hand towels from Modern Chic Home for Momma and I...

...so naturally we had to get me a rack to hang mine on. I always love the towels Momma displays in our downstairs powder room. Well the trip to the Carmel Road hot spot yielded some other fun surprises.

LOVING this new lamp. It's going to look SO cute in my bedroom after graduation!

(my new floor lamp)

(close up image of the oh-too-cute shade)

I fell in love with this picture the moment I saw it. It's different from what I usually gravitate towards, but I think it's great!

my favorite part is the "kissed on both cheeks" text. I feel like it represents my love of traveling, and my secret (not so secret) wish that I was a European chica.

This wasn't one of today's purchases, but I'm in love with this sign. I giggle when I think of just how true it is!

The South, noun. "The place where... 1) Tea is sweet and accents are sweeter. 2) Summer starts in April. 3) Macaroni & Cheese is a vegetable. 4) Front porches are wide and words are long. 5)Pecan pie is a staple. 6) Y'all is the only proper noun. 7) Chicken is fried and biscuits come with gravy. 8) Everything is Darlin'. 9) Someone's heart is always being blessed. (this might be my favorite... "well bless her heart.")

After we left, we were off to SP. After popping into Anthro and J.Crew, we went to Pottery Barn and got a quote for this couch and chair.

We then stopped by Sur le Table and I picked up a few things on MAJOR clearance (colander, casserole dish, napkins, and poultry cutting boards) for $25. Heck to the yes!

After the mall, we ventured to IKEA. Mommacita had never been and I must admit this trip was much more enjoyable than my first visit last summer in LA. I had done some pre-scouting online and knew which pieces I wanted to look at. I felt so good when we left because I know exactly which bed and dresser I want to get, as well as a tv unit. Whew, now it's just time to save the moolah... oh saving...

Well, I think that's all the update for today. Tomorrow (today, by the time I post this) is gonna be a big day. Starting my running training again. Food poisoning foiled the last half-marathon attempt. I'm determined to complete this goal!

xoxo, E

EEK

I'm a tough chica.

Except when something scurries across the floor and moves at lightning speed.

Hope Mommacita doesn't lift the glass without realizing this guy is hanging out underneath.

If it were up to me, that glass would stay put until our friend has gone to sleep... permanently.