How To: Gifting Event Tickets

This year I got my parents the ULTIMATE Christmas gift. Being a small family of three, we decided to keep Christmas simple this year and focus on spending time with each other rather than loading the tree with materialistic gifts. I stuck with my plan in not getting them gifts that will never be used, and really wanted to get them something that they would use and remember for a lifetime. And boy did I find the holy grail of gifts when Garth Brooks announced that he was bringing his tour to Boston, MA this January.

Now, my parents don't really do a lot for themselves... they're very casual, easy to please and love to have fun. They would never think to buy themselves concert tickets, but they've been known to enjoy themselves at events like Jimmy Buffet, comedy shows, and a NASCAR race or two. {Another side note: my mom LOVES Garth} The day the tickets went on sale I had an alarm on my phone set, my computer set to Ticketmaster and a phone in my hand pre-dialed. I was getting these tickets. Once I got them, my excitement burst and my mind started going in a million different directions on fun ways to gift these exciting tickets to them. Opening an envelope is easy, and where's the fun in that? I decided to grab a few small gifts that fit each of their personalities, create a riddle that they each read parts of, added in a $50 gift card for dinner before hand to make it an entire day in Boston for them, and BAM the gift turned into an experience.

It was both an experience for them to open, and will be an even better experience for them to enjoy in just a few short weeks! If you're looking to gift someone event tickets in the future, they don't have to be for the Holidays, here are my 5 tips to gifting those bad boys.

Tips to gifting event tickets:

1. Make it an experience - Add in a $50 visa gift card for dinner the night of the concert or wrap up a case of their favorite beer to bring to the tailgate for that football game. Adding something additional to go with the event tickets will make the experience of the tickets complete and show all of the thought and effort that went into the gift!

2. Make it enjoyable - Create a storyline, or a fun way to open the gift. Opening an envelope is easy, but why not have some fun with it. Write a riddle to have them guess, or use the box within a box trick {that one never gets old}

3. Make it special - Adding hand written notes or clues, even a picture of the view from their seats or some kind of print out to give them a little preview will make the whole thing that much more. {Not going to lie, my mom and I teared a little when she opened the tickets! That's how I knew it was perfect!}

4. Have a plan - Plan out how your gifts will be opened; if there are multiple gifts, write numbers on the bottom of each gifts to know the order they need to be opened. If you have a riddle, have it written in the notes on your phone so you can follow along as they read it to make sure it goes as planned!

5. Go in on it with a group - Don't be afraid to join forces with siblings, friends, or family {especially if it's a pricey gift} Splitting the cost of a gift like this would be a great way to be able to get the gift without breaking the bank!

All in all - Have fun with it!

365 in 365

Warning: This is going to be a long post!

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a great NYE and had a great time welcoming in 2015. I feel like most New Years Resolutions become daunting lists of things that become really easy to set aside and forget about until December 31st comes around again and you rethink all the things you told yourself you were going to do. This year I'm taking a different approach to those New Years Resolutions and creating a 365 things in 365 days. 1 year to do and accomplish oh so many things.

I've been following Mackenzie Horan of Design Darling and her list of 101 things in 1001 days. She says it best describing her list as a happy medium between a to-do list and a bucket list. Her list has inspired me to create my own, however I'm making one for one year. 365 days. I'm going to think of this as a different approach on New Years Resolutions. I'll be keeping track of the list here, and you can keep track of my progress too! The image above will be in my sidebar {working on that this weekend} for you to keep tabs on my list throughout the year if you would like! I've separated my list into two sections {blog & personal} Here it goes...

Note: This list is a work in progress & I plan on completing coming up with all 365 things {see #1} within the next week or so! I'll also try to document as much as possible on my Instagram with the hashtag #DefinedDesigns365 {see #29}

1. Come up with 365 things
2. Post about my progress every month
3. Post about the completion/ almost completion on December 31st 2015
4. Inspire someone to create a list of their own
5. Successfully complete all 365 things

6. Work on adding more content{i.e. lifestyle/ hosting/ travel posts}
7. Write 10 how-to posts
8. Write 10 DIY posts
9. Create a complete media kit
10. Start an Etsy shop
11. Send out blog Christmas cards
12. Use Hootsuite for social media scheduling for an entire week
13. Refurbish a piece of furniture
14. Participate in a Loop Giveaway
15. Comment on 5 blogs a day for a month straight
16. Collaborate with a local photographer
17. Collaborate with another blogger
18. Host a giveaway
19. Start a new blog series
20. Design and manufacture my on product
21. Start a design & decor look book
22. Upgrade my camera
23. Have my next apartment professionally photographed
24. Reach 1,000 followers on Instagram {yes, really}
25. Reach 500 followers on Facebook
26. Buy a Pantone color book
27. Participate in the One Room Challenge
28. Start a video series
29. Start a hashtag {#DefinedDesigns365}
30. Get invited/ accepted to RewardStyle {i'm trying!}
31. Go to Spring High Point Furniture Market
32. Go to Fall High Point Furniture Market
33. Create a Charlotte Shopping Guide
34. Buy 5 new coffee table books
35. Read 5 new books
36. Attend a networking event
37. Start a 'services' page to start working with clients
38. Take on an Interior Design client
39. Decorate & document my office at work
40. Help a reader with a blog post
41. Create a gallery wall & document it for the blog
42. Start a 'How to Host' blog series
43. Use my sewing machine for a DIY
44. Write Moodboard Monday posts for 5 weeks straight
45. Compile all of my Moodboard Monday posts from 2014 into one post
46. Schedule and prepare all my blog posts for an entire week ahead of time
47. Start using an editorial calendar
48. Write a list of future post ideas
49. Design my dream apartment & post about it
50. Have a Holiday Photoshoot
51. Post about my Blog Business Cards
52. Host a blog/ brand event
53. Attend a blog conference
54. Attend a local blogger meet-up
55. Publish an e-book
56. Host an Instagram giveaway
57. Post a home tour
58. Post a holiday home tour
59. Learn about Wine glasses & write a post about it
60. Learn about Beer glasses & write a post about it
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.
174.
175. Be featured/ published on a blog/ website/ magazine

176. Host a Dinner party

177. Host a Super Bowl party

178. Take an arial yoga class

179. Visit New York City

180. Visit California

181. Watch the sun rise

182. Visit a city I've never been before

183. See a comedy show

184. See a play

185. Treat a friend to dinner

186. Buy coffee for a friend January 2015

187. Go to Las Vegas

188. Go on a hike

189. Try Pure Barre

190. Visit Asheville, NC

191. Visit Wilmington, NC

192. Visit Nashville, TN

193. Attend a themed bar crawl

194. Attend a sporting event

195. See 5 live concerts

196. Take a weekend road trip for fun

197. Complete a 5k

198. Read all of the Harry Potter Books {i only made it through the first one back in the day}

199. Visit a zoo

200. Go to a friends wedding

201. Get a blowout

202. Go camping

203. Donate a bag of clothes I don't wear

204. Visit a flea market

205. Organize all of the business cards I've collected over the years

206. Refrain from shopping for myself for a month

207. Donate to a cause/ fund/ charity

208. Visit a shooting range

209. Go fishing

210. Go on a cruise

211. Go to a NASCAR race

212. Tour a vineyard or brewery

213. See Garth Brooks in concert

214. Throw a surprise party for a friend

215. Take a self defense class {my dad will really appreciate this one}

216. Take a stay-cation in Charlotte

217. Invest in grown up luggage

218. Eat gluten free for a month

219. Try 10 new restaurants

220. Travel outside of the country

221. Play in the Pacific Ocean

222. Play in the Atlantic ocean

223. Pay for a strangers coffee

224. Learn how to make candles

225. Volunteer at an animal shelter

226. Read a new book series

227. Try 10 new Pinterest recipes

228. Reach my goal weight

229. Refrain from eating fast food for a month straight

230. Send 10 'Just Because' gifts

231. Send 10 'Just Because' cards

232. Get personalized stationary/ note cards

233. Take a calligraphy class

234. Get a mani/pedi

235. Get a gel manicure

236. Take a vacation with friends

237. Go on a family vacation

238. Make & Drink 'green' smoothies everyday for a month

239. Make a one pot pasta dish

240. Save $100 in loose change

241. Find and maintain a skin care routine for 2 weeks straight

242. Get my car detailed

243. Pay more than the minimum payment towards my student loans 3 times in a row

244. Apply for a credit card with cash back bonuses

245. Make my lunch for work for an entire week straight

246. Purchase an investment piece of furniture

247. Purchase an investment piece for my wardrobe

248. Have fresh flowers in the house for a month straight

249. Buy a plant for my office at work

250. Start a gym routine & go for 14 days straight

251. Take 2 gym classes in one day

252. Go to a Farmers Market

253. Go Pumpkin/ Apple/ Berry Picking

254. Go to a fair

255. Go to a music festival

256. Finish an entire TV Series on Netflix

257. Find a way to document all the places I've traveled

258. Start a retirement fund

259. Read a book before seeing the movie

260. Re-read a book series

261. Subscribe to a magazine

262. Send an edible arrangement to someone

263. Send flowers to someone

264. Update & organize my iPad

265. Host a second annual Friendsgiving

266. Host a Holiday Party

267. Get my eyebrows professionally waxed {i'm a sad excuse for a girl}

268. De-clutter my life, throw out or donate things I don't use or need

269. Invest in a new set of towels

270. Visit 2 new coffee spots in Charlotte

271. Get enough miles for a free flight

272. Get my car detailed

273. Make a gift wrapping kit

274. Find out my credit score

275. Go tubing on a river

276. 

277. 

278. 

279. 

280. 

281. 

282. 

283. 

284. 

285. 

286. 

287. 

288. 

289. 

290. 

291. 

292. 

293. 

294. 

295. 

296. 

297. 

298. 

299. 

300. 

301. 

302. 

303. 

304. 

305. 

306. 

307. 

308. 

309. 

310. 

311. 

312. 

313. 

314. 

315. 

316. 

317. 

318. 

319. 

320. 

321. 

322. 

323. 

324.

325. 

326. 

327. 

328. 

329. 

330. 

331. 

332. 

333. 

334.

335. 

336. 

337. 

338. 

339. 

340. 

341. 

342. 

343. 

344.

345. 

346. 

347. 

348. 

349. 

350. 

351. 

352. 

353. 

354.

355. 

356. 

357. 

358. 

359. 

360. 

361. 

362. 

363. 

364.

And last but not least:

365. Put $10 into my savings account for each item completed!

Mix and Match

Today I'm sharing a little peek into one of my new favorite spaces in my house. Simplifying the gallery wall and isolating it to a singular photo ledge gives you the ability to change out picture frames and artwork with minimal effort. And if you're anything like me and are completely indecisive then this is the perfect concept. I can tell you for a fact though... the one item that is not changing from my photo wall is this beautiful custom painting. Let me introduce you to the The Painted Elephant. The creative mastermind behind The Painted Elephant and a local to Charlotte, Alysa Wayland is truly an amazing artist. My ginger jar painting should say it all {similar painting here}

I finally took my love of ginger jars to my bedroom, bringing in the whites and blues found in the  timeless chinoiserie jars with an Anthropologie twist. I've paired this beautiful painting with a variety of frames in different sizes and materials. Combining wood, ceramic, and painted frames {and a touch of gold} create the mix & match/ anthro feel that we all know and love. I also mixed both photos and artwork with the painting to continue the look I was going for.

Alysa could not have done a better job with this painting - the use of bright colors and the depth and light perceived with brushstrokes just blows my mind. I can't help but think of it as a combination of Lilly Pulitzer meets Andy Warhol... and I LOVEE both, especially Andy Warhol. {there's the art student in me coming out} Below are the images that I shared with Alysa when we were discussing what kind of painting I was thinking of for this space. I'm sure by now we all know my love for ginger jars, and some of my favorite paintings of Alysa's are of her beautiful hand painted blooms. I sent her these images thinking that I could combine the two and she did not disappoint.

Alysa's artwork is available on her etsy shop, she also offers custom signs and artwork perfect for baby showers, wedding gifts, or personal gifts if you want one for yourself! 

Follow along with The Painted Elephant

website // instagram // facebook // blog

Shop & Contact The Painted Elephant

etsy // email

Creating a Reading Nook

Nina Chair

The other day a few of my close girlfriends and I were talking about starting a book club. Nothing special or too much of a commitment, but it sounds like something fun and hey, it's a great excuse to get together and drink wine right?

Well even though I'm the last person you'd catch leisurely reading a book on a given night, I've always loved the idea of having a little reading nook. And when I saw this beautiful fuchsia chair at World Market the other day, I just couldn't stop staring.  So, I've decided.. this chair will be mine someday.  Doesn't it create the perfect pop of color? This chair would make that space complete - Somewhere you can go to just sit there and enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. {maybe i'd actually get to put a dent into my never ending reading list...} Here's what I'd put into my reading nook to make it my cozy little getaway:

1. Bright, comfy chair
2. Small side table
3. Table lamp
4. Small bench
5. Coffee mug
6. Decorative pillow
7. Cozy throw
8. Candles
9. Basket for extra throws or books

Keeping Up with Defined Designs

tutorial via Whitney Blake

I think I might have learned THE coolest thing a few weeks ago. {i know i know, it's nerdy!} but if you love reading along with me each and everyday and want to be nerdy with me then here's the coolest thing... You can add me to your phone screen! That's right my friends, you can read Defined Designs by the click of an app. Whenever.You.Want. Here's 4 easy steps to get the Defined Designs icon on your phone/ipad: {tutorial via Whitney Blake}

Step 1: Go to Defined Designs home page in your safari browser.

Step 2: Click that little box with the arrow icon at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Click 'Add' in the top right corner once the screen shown above comes up on your screen.

Step 4: Click 'Add to Home Screen' on the next screen and Voila!!!

You can now move your new app/icon around the screen or into whichever folder you would like just like a normal app! I've got a lot of exciting things coming up, this is just another great way to stay current on everything I've got coming your way!!

Friday Favorites

via Apartment Therapy

Hello Hello and Happy Friday! I don't know about you but this weekend to me just screams relaxation... and by relaxation {which i could definitely use a little bit of this weekend} usually means browsing local stores for home decor, redecorating a little, and laying in bed binge watching netflix. Did anyone else notice that Netflix added Gilmore Girls to their line up this week? Kid. In. A. Candy. Shop. Seriously..

So, for today's friday favorites in honor of all of the window shopping I'm hoping to do this weekend - Here are a few of my favorite online boutiques! These four shops are on top of their game with all of the home decor goodies they're offering right now. Whether it's pop-up shops, new arrivals, or even just their best sellers... you're bound to fill your cart up and drop your entire paycheck. Or at least contemplate it.  Happy Shopping!

1. Design Darling - between acrylic desk accessories, the most perfect art prints, and an entire collection of blue and white decor... design darling is one to check out! I just ordered this, this, and this..... guilty.

2. Lulu & Georgia - Ahhh I dream of lulu & georgia.. that's a little aggressive, i know. But how much do you love this rug, this vase, and this {insert heart eyes emoji here}

3. Mintwood Home - Mintwood Home may only be a month old but the girls behind this lovely online boutique are going to be taking the internet by storm in no time! The quality and selections of their products are untouchable. If you don't remember this instagram of the infamous golden pineapple, check out these products I'm swooning over here, here, and here. Oh - and don't forget you can design your own pillows.

4. Furbish - Furbish Studio is a new one that I actually discovered via instagram.. yes, instagram. I find myself liking one of their photos and the next I know, I'm filling my shopping cart.. whoops! Looking for something trendy or did you see something on pinterest or instagram that you have to have but don't know where to go to find it? Furbish probably has what you're looking for; trendy, trendy, trendy, trendy.

Inside my Home

I love when my favorite bloggers share a little insight on their personal life. Nothing too personal, just little things. For me in particular I always get a little giddy when I see Instagrams that showcase little pieces of their home.... a new rug, their favorite little decor piece, a properly arranged tray, or even a great angle of their custom kitchen. Call me a nerd? Sure. But I just love seeing those little insights.

Today, unfortunately my home is not photo ready... but why not share some insight into a few shiny and sparkly things that have made their way into my home recently? 

1. Alarm Clock - I've been wanting to paint this little pint sized clock gold since I brought it home.. but the more I look at it the more I like it how it is! Decisions, Decisions..

2. Candlesticks - These white candlesticks are so perfect I bought two pairs - Yes, two pairs! One for my living room and one for my bedroom!

3. Vase - Here's another great white piece that has made it's way into my home. It looks so pretty with bright colored blooms in it too!

4. Sea Urchins - These. Let me tell you, I went through hell to get my hands on a set of these. I searched about 5 or 6 targets to try and get these and I'm so happy I didn't give up! I didn't hand them though... They're topping my books on my nightstands, and coffee table!

5. Task Lamp - This lamp is perfection. It's the best addition to my desk/vanity for when I am working late at night or putting my makeup on for the day.

6. Pear Salt & Pepper Shakers - How adorable are these!? They've been sitting on my dining table for over a month now and I just got around to filling them up. Too pretty to eat? Try too pretty to use!

7. Candles - These candles are the perfect size to fit on top of the candlesticks. They look great and the glass keeps the wax from melting all over the place as bare candles would.

8. Gold Pineapple - I've been swooning over the pineapple trend for a while now and I just knew that I had to have one. When I saw that Mintwood Home was running this giveaway I didn't even think twice before entering! It's pure perfection!

Hosting & Toasting: Part 1 {GIVEAWAY}

Hello and Happy Friday! I'm so happy to finally be able to announce this exciting collaboration I have been working on with the girls over at The Blush Label! If you have not heard of them yet, please drop everything and go check out their website - These two sisters are amazingly talented and their shop is filled with bright and beautiful products to make your home THE best place to entertain!

For the month of August, I will be here every friday with a new post for this Hosting and Toasting mini series. When the girls at The Blush Label announced that they were releasing a new line of placemats, I couldn't help but squeal like a little girl on Christmas morning when I saw the designs they had put together! In 2 weeks, {Friday, August 15th} I will be announcing the lucky winner of a set of placemats from the Blush Label's new collection! The winner gets to choose which design they would like a set of - So don't forget to enter to win below!

What do I love so much about these placemats..? Well, besides the fact that they are the prettiest things in my kitchen currently - They are made of a cotton/linen blend {that's right, machine washable!!} And better yet, they're made right here in North Carolina! Check out how I styled these beautiful Aqua and Orange placemats for a wine night with my roommate!

Shop the Look:

Below are the 4 beautiful designs that The Blush Label is offering and the lucky winner gets to choose which design they would like! Don't forget to enter below for your chance to win a set of these! You've got 50 entries waiting for you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Look for Less

Better Homes and Gardens

I just love these two colors together! A good gold and royal purple combination looks great in this stark white bedroom. With the pop of gold, add some touches of washed wood and you've got yourself the perfect beachy-boho bedroom oasis! Read more about how to decorate small bedrooms here.

Shop the Look: