More Jewelry Solutions

Ever since I did my Jewelry Organization Ideas post, I've found more! Check out these cool DIY organizers:

A silverware organizer & doorknobs...

{via Brass Razoo Boutique}

{via BlueBirdHeaven's Etsy store}

Ring storage how-to. {via Cut Out & Keep}

TAPAS.

What would Spain be like without Tapas?! In-between tourist shenanigans we stopped for some Tapas dinner. It was fantastical.

Delicious asparagus! Loved the sauce.

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Vegetarians: avert your eyes for a few photos...
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This is Iberian/Ibérico Ham. It is a Spanish thing. Keene was in love at first sight. They have these guys hanging in almost every restaurant. They shave off the meat right then and there...

It's delicious.

Care for some Sangria?

I love me some shrimps and garlic in oOL! (said "oil" paula deen style)

Spanish "omelettes" are a thing here. They're real good. Also real good: this bread with tomato (?) sauce spread on it? It was a bit vinegar-ey and I loved it!

Next up: beef n' garlic. Delish.

This dessert was good...

...but this one was BETTER! We traded because my fiance is sweet like that. This doesn't look fancy but it was awesome. It was like cinnamon toast and french toast combined to make a delicious cinnamon french baby. So good. Ima try and re-create some day at home. I think it's just baguette bread with butter and milk/egg dip and cinnamon sugar, then fried.

At some point we stumbled upon this Juan Miro mosaic that is smack dab in the middle of La Rambla. I like the signature part :)

This is inside Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona. They have these AMAZING comfy leather couches you can lounge on and take a break and stare at the ceiling.

For someone who doesn't have great museum stamina like me, I thought they were a brilliant idea.

I have one last post for the Epic Europe Trip coming...it's long!

More Framing Ideas...

Just came across this lovely photo and thought I should post as yet another idea in response to the Ask MansionMogul question I got about cost-effective ideas for displaying your artwork. I love this idea because it could accommodate all different sized artwork. Even a poster if you found a frame big enough. Don't throw away any of those old ugly gold frames, people! They can be painted funky colors and show off your cool photos and artwork! {photo via Smile & Wave}

Still in Barcelona...

One sight I knew we had to see in Barcelona was the Palau de la Música Catalana. This is another "copyright protected" place where they don't allow you to take ANY pictures inside. Major bummer for you guys, because it was awesome! Specifically: that ceiling. It's amazing.

How about this image off Google:

I mean...right?! It's pretty fantastic in-person. I totally recommend this tour as well - our guide was witty and informative and he really expanded on all the details of the architecture. We learned a lot about Catalan culture!

Some shots I took of the exterior:

This was a building across the way - I couldn't resist that awesome wallpaper-textured facade again!

Before we went on our tour, we had some treats in the cafe. Keene got this "Bombo" expresso drink. I think it was: sweet condensed milk, espresso, foam...right? It was tasty.

Tapas! All kinds on crostini. I really liked the one in the back right - it had really good cheese and a carmelized sort of sauce on it.

Just a fun Barcelona street. They all look this cool or cooler!

Sangria break.

We trekked up to The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) and this is the view. Stunning!

Gotta get the couples self-portrait.

I want to go back...right now...

It's Friday, Let's Ask MansionMogul

Hey Y'all! I answered a few of your questions!

For the Stripes Wall Painting Tutorial, check out this link.

And seriously consider attending a performance by PNB this year. I mean just check out the buns on this guy! (I of course pay no attention to those kinds of things. I'm there for the music and artistry. Of course.)

Re: Ask MM, plain ole blog version

Catching up on some Ask MansionMogul questions! Thought I'd finally answer Wendi's great question about how to store jewelry. I happen to be trying to figure out the best way to do this as well, and in my research I've found a few ideas...

This crafty gal turned a tray into a fabulous jewelry-storage center of sorts:

Isn't it fantastic? All in one place :) {via a time for everything}

And here's some totally perfected shabby chic modern-ish picture frame DIYs:

{via}

Not only does Kendi Everyday have a fabulous "creating a working closet" post, but she's also showing off her cute Necklace Showcase. Wow!

And last but not least, here's the state of my jewelry/accessory organization right now:

The cute spotted little bag on the top shelf was a MOH gift from Wendi for her wedding, and it's a perfect spot to keep my scarves. The white beaded bag hanging from the shelf was given to me by my Gram and I love that I can see it every day. My headbands are hanging from stick-on hooks from the hardware store, and my mismatched shelves are ikea and container store buys. Everything else is loosely organized in all my pots and jars.

I made this earring holder out of a wall mirror. I cut some of that tacky drawer liner and simply taped it to the mirror inside the frame with that foam double-sided tape. Easy!

I still have to figure out a way to store my necklaces. As much as I love the "showcases", I hate how dusty and tarnished they get when they're out in the open. Anyone have ideas for storing necklaces tucked away that would still make sure they don't get tangled?

So sure you could go buy yourself a big ole made in china jewelry box, but how much more fun are these? And then everyone can see all your cool baubles on display :)

Cheers! February Resolution.

Remember my Sober January Resolutions Part II? Well, cheers, everyone, I (we - the fiance joined me in sobriety too) made it! Haven't rushed right out to get myself any bevies yet but it's nice to know I made it and I'm feeling better and proud of myself :)

So after a little reflection on this whole "thing a month" resolution, I decided that I'd ADD something once month, and SUBTRACT something another month, switching back and forth until 2012. Sound like a plan? Okie dokie then February's Resolution ADD is...

GREENLAKE WALKS!

Woooooo! GET AMPED, PEOPLE!!! That's right, thanks to a little help from my friends, I'm vowing to walk around Greenlake at least twice a week all February. Not easy considering our weather sucks in Feb, but I figure I could use all the vitamin D I can get right now, even if it's filtered through clouds around Greenlake. I already have some partners in crime, but if any one else wants to join in, hollah at me!

It's That Time of Year

Yep. The time of year when I'm desperately craving sunshine and will obsess about hearts around Valentine's Day because they make me happy. I've been collecting a handfull of fun-looking easy heart crafts for y'all...check it:

Some Heart Garlands...

{via Etsy}

{via el beso}

{via craftzine}

Oh and a garland that I happened to make last weekend :)

Fun & Pretty table addition...

{via vintage rose garden}

Cute :)

Romantic pizza. Why not?

{via one charming party}

Create your own heart Bokeh...

{via diy photography}

You know how I was talking about Fro-Yo?

This is the new place I'm addicted to. It's like TCBY for the 2011! And it's self-serve so I love it because you can control your "mix". My mix is plain vanilla with mini dark chocolate chips and strawberries. So good. But then the other day I got mint and chocolate fro-yo with thin mints and oreos. YUM!

Don'tcha love local news?