Loving Lately: Upholstered Headboards

Upholstered headboards are nothing new in the world of interior design, but I think the novelty behind them recently is the influx of DIY versions. Sure I have pinned tutorials on doing it, but the mechanics of actually taking on this project were always a little too much for me. I then decided I would hold out, save up and by the frame or headboard of my dreams. Enter reality. I have been looking for two years and the only one I am in love with is $2,000 from Restoration Hardware. I seriously entertained the idea for a while, but then as per usual I think of everything else I can do with 2k and am at peace with the concept of HELL NO!

I live in an apartment, albeit a nice one with lots of space, but it's not my forever home or even my starter home. I cringe at the idea of having huge furniture that fills my spacious apartment, only to move it in to my first house with small rooms that are dwarfed by immense pieces. It looks absurd, trust me. So now the idea of a DIY headboard with a price tag peaking at $150 is becoming very attractive to me. Even more attractive is that my boyfriend is now behind the idea too. He gets to work on a project and be a guy, and I get the exact headboard I want. Win win!

There are so many tutorials out there, and I haven't narrowed down the exact one we are going to use. So while I figure that part out, I pulled together some of the headboard inspiration that I really like. Obviously I want a neutral, probably nail head trim, and I haven't decided on tufting or not yet. If any of you have done a DIY headboard or have any pointers I would LOVE to hear them!

                                

all images via Pinterest

Weekend + Links

Happy Friday! I am so excited for a weekend sans plans (my how the times have changed!). Let's get into some links!

This shirt perfectly captures my mentality (for real).

Ever wanted to try barre, or wanted to do it on the go/at home? Try this full 55-minute barre workout on youtube, all you need is a chair, a mat, and very light hand weights!

While we're on the subject of fitness, try this evening ab circuit that was designed to be done in front of the tv! Now you can do something productive while frying your brain cells with reality tv.

BaubleBar has been KILLING IT lately, and I'm especially loving their natural stone jewelry lately. This necklace (in clear) would be the perfect additional to any look, or would make a perfect layering piece!

Ever wanted to try GlamGlow mud mask, but found the price tag a little off-putting? Have no fear this DIY version is a lot cheaper and yields a high quantity for the price!

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for sangria, but this rose´version has me that much more excited.

You guys, I'm the worst when it comes to cleaning my makeup brushes. I am actually too embarassed to say the last time I cleaned them was. Elizabeth Dehn shares her quick, easy, and all-natural tips to clean those nasty, germy brushes.

I cannot wait to try these shrimp scampi skewers! Eaten alone, atop of a big salad, or even for entertaining these look like major crowd pleasers.


Have an awesome weekend, especially my Southern Blog Society friends at this year's conference! Wish I could be in Atlanta with you! xx

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On My Radar

wrap cardigan // leggings // folding flats // headphones // tee // rollerball // lip balm
eye cream // hand cream // 3-in-1 wipes // iPad mini // filter bottle // tide pen // kind bars // altoids

Traveling for work has made me a great, patient, efficient traveler/packer. I find the formula for a successful long flight is a few things on your person that will keep you as calm and happy as possible. Attire should be kept simple, comfortable and functional. Leggings or very comfortable pants, a basic tee, and a drapey cardigan that can double as a blanket will keep you very happy. If you tend to wear sandals or other shoes not great for airplanes, invest in a pair of foldable flats to keep your feet warm and less restricted (I cannot stand the idea of being in socks on a plane, sorry).

Get yourself some headphones that feel good either on or in your ears, you'll probably be wearing them a ton. On that note, make sure you bring ample entertainment like books, movies, magazines, etc. I like having my iPad with me so I only have to carry one semi heavy item rather than a bunch. While I tend to pack important cosmetics in my carry on bag, I keep hand cream, good lip balm, and depuffing eye cream with me to keep me looking the least haggard possible. Keeping some makeup/cleansing wipes is an easy way clean up without having to go to the bathroom. I tend to buy snacks at the airport or eat there, but stow some bars and mints in your bag when you need something to chew on. Last but certainly not least, carry a Tide pen. I spill all the time, and even if you don't the person next to you may.

Bootcamp for Your Hair

There are so many pros to summer. The weather, the activities, and of course the beach! But the drastic climate change and environmental stressors can wreak havoc on your mane if you aren't helpful. I was blessed with lovely limp, fine, mousey hair that I put through a literal gauntlet of coloring and various heated styling tools. To be frank, my hair has ever right to hate me especially when I add sun, chlorine, and humidity to the mix.

Recently, I was given the chance to try and review some amazing products from my primping spot Drybar. Now you should know that I am not just pimping stuff on the internets. I actually use Drybar products on a daily basis, and have been doing so for over a year now. I'm a believer, I drank the Kool-Aid, and I'm never going back. Back to the newbies. Because of the hell I put my hair through, I HAVE to use a hair mask weekly. I've tried several out there (even the bagillion dollar kind) and this Mudslide nourshing mask left me with healthy, silky feeling hair. I am truly smitten. 

I am constantly looking for the best shampoo/conditioner combo and it's a never ending process that usually comes up short. Enter Sweet Tea volumizing shampoo and conditioner. I need all the help I can get when it comes to volume and these lovely concoctions give me that little extra lift I so desperately desire (and they smell great too!). If you have fine hair, I cannot say enough good things about this combo! It's all fun and games while washing your hair, until you get to brushing/detangling your hot mess mane. For that extra little push my hair needs, Gold Mine leave in conditioner saved the day. My ends didn't look so fried, and the shimmer gave this bottle blonde some extra shine. 

Like I said, I love Drybar products. Detox dry shampoo and Money Maker hairspray have changed my life (no I am not exaggerating I get so much more time back each week since I now don't have to wash my hair everyday and my style stairs with zero crunch factor thanks to magic hairspray). Try them out and let me know how you like them. I would be pretty surprised to find someone who didn't love these great hair products!

Thank you to BrandLink DC and Drybar for sponsoring this post. Products pictured are c/o, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that make A Little Lovelier possible.

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Happy 4th!

The streets and the internet are literal ghost towns for the holiday weekend. Two different sets of plans fell through so looks like we may be doing a laid back day at the pool and/or finding a BBQ to crash!

So to all of you that have super fun plans, I am very happy for you. For the rest of us, do something very American and shop some sales!

Shopbop is having 20-60 % off select styles.

J.Crew 40% off final sale items.

Piperlime 20% off for 20 hours!

Nordstrom is having a great sale right now, just a teaser before the anniversary sale!

Have an amazing weekend!

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LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD

sweatshirt // dry brush // lip scrub // oil // scalp facial // serum // tea

Today's round up is all about taking care of yourself inside and out. This cozy sweatshirt lets you take your "me" time in comfort and style (perfect for times lounging around wtih a good book!). Have you heard of dry brushing? If not google it immediately! It's so great for circulation, cellulite, and the lymphatic system plus encourages skin cell renewal while exfoliating. Speaking of exfoliating, get that pucker ready with the perfect lip scrub with invigorating peppermint. Mood and senses are closely related, not to mention that smells trigger memories very intensely. Keep your thoughts light with this home fragrance oil with scents of the English coast. The beachy, salty scent is sure to remind you of happy times at the beach. 

Dry shampoo has changed my life, but it also has done not so amazing things to my scalp. Even though I use a clarifying shampoo weekly, there is still product buildup. Enter this scalp treatment with it's built in brush to massage in the product and help lift away residue. Let your best face shine through with a retuxturizing and radiance boosting serum. This one not only improves skin's texture and tone, but packs a serious punch of anti-oxidants and red seaweed to help relax fine lines and protect against environmental stressors. The benefits of green tea are numerous, but this one can also chock up great taste to the list. The blueberry flavor is subtle and delicious making green tea a happy part of my routine.

What do you do or  use to keep yourself looking good on the inside and out? I'd love to know!

Loving Lately: Reading Nooks

There's nothing like curling up in a big comfy chair with a good book or magazine. Add a few great pillows, a cozy throw, and a place to kick up your feet and you've got your favorite little spot in your home. I adore the concept of a cozy space just for relaxation and entertainment. It can be as simple as a chair with an ottoman and floor lamp, or as intricate as a chaise with coordinating accessories. For my reading nook I would use an area rug to set apart the space, an overstuffed chaise, two throw pillows, a light but warm throw, small end table, and table lamp.

 

Can you tell I like neutrals? I find them peaceful, but pops of color would be great too.

This is the most perfect reading/nap nook I could ever dream up. I love the big windows, the fluffy chaise lounge chairs (I'm a sucker for a chaise and have been since I was little... who dreams of that kind of stuff at the age of 5?), and that it's a separate space. Can't you just imagine curling up here with a stack of magazines and a glass of wine?

Good God do I need wood floors in my life so bad. Con of rental apartments: crap rental apartment carpet EVERYWHERE!

This nook is so adorable, but not the most accessible since it's built in. I would've killed for a spot like this when I was a kid. 

all images via Pinterest

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