Artsy

Short but sweet post today, plus it's been awhile since I shared some of my favorite pieces over at the always awesome 20X200.  You know the drill.  $20 for a limited edition print.  Don't mind if I do.

Want more eye candy?  Check it.

1. Icon by Michelle Muldrow
2. Radar by Aili Schmeltz
3. Well-being 1 by Valerie Roybal

Spacing

When I read this article on Apartment Therapy, something clicked in my mind.  The light bulb went off and I instantly knew all the secrets of the universe (ok, maybe not the universe, but I swear angels were singing). The ultimate secret I learned? Spacing.  One word unlocked all the mystique around what makes a great looking room look great.  Kind of a no brainer, I know, but seriously these tips will change your life.  So take a look at my favorite tips below and re-examine the photos above...I swear, the angels will be singing. 

Dining Room (image 1)
-Area rug and dining table- A rug should span about 36" wider on all sides of the table to allow chairs to pull out easily without catching
-Space between dining chairs: Ideally provide about 24" between chairs to prevent hitting elbows and to allow people to slide chairs in and out without any collisions or bruised knuckles. 


Living Room (image 2)
-Distance between a sofa and coffee table: Allow around 18" between the table and sofa edge to give enough leg room but to be able to set down drinks or reach appetizers without straining. Coffee table heights vary greatly, but a good rule is to keep the table height and seat height within 4 inches of each other.
-Distance between seating furniture: Aim to provide between 3.5' and 10' between seating options to help conversation flow without crowding a room.
-Area rugs and furniture: Too often area rugs end up feeling like bath mats. To keep your area rug from feeling random, at least the front two legs of a sofa or chair should rest on the rug.
-Side table and sofa height: In general, an end table should be approximately the same height as the arm of your sofa or chair. This allows guests to set down or reach for drinks without straining, and it also lends a more cohesive feel to the room. (image 3)

5 Steals and a Splurge

It's time for a re-do.  It's my blog and I'll do what I want to...While I still stand by my original 5 steals and a splurge, after seeing all of these fabulous ladies share their ideas, I want a re-do.  So people, here you have it, my new and improved 5 steals and a splurge (and not to worry, regular scheduled programing with other bloggers will resume next week).

1. Strings of lights- Not only for Christmastime anymore.  White lights year round make everyday merry and bright.
2. Sparkling water- For whatever reason, I always feel more fancy drinking sparkling water rather than still water.  I don't like soda, so this is my favorite refreshment for hot summer days.
3. Maxi dresses- Perfect for day or night, warm or cool.  Pair it with boots or sandals, add a scarf or an arm full of bangles, this is the most versatile thing I own.
4. Mason jars- Fill em with grains, flowers, or votives, they make any display seem unexpectedly special.
5. American Apparel clutch- While I would love a Clare Vivier clutch, this waaaay more affordable substitute will totally do the trick.  Plus, they come in a whole plethora of colors.
SLURGE: Lo and Sons O.G. bag-  I've been on the hunt for a versatile school bag for this fall.  I'm predicting extra long hours ahead spending days at a time on campus, and I need a bag that will not only carry my books, but also pack the rest of my life with me.

Tumblr!

After an inspiring dinner with the wonderful Mackenzie from Design Darling, I've decided to start a Tumblr!  It's rather bare bones for now, but I'll be updating it all day, so feel free to check it out throughout the day for a pick me up!  Check out the About page on the site if you are curious why I am trying out this "new" form of blogging.  I'm still working on the LA Hotspot segment and will hopefully have it up and running soon.  For now, expect Thrifty Gal posts a little less frequently, but full of amazing content.  Isn't growing and changing exciting? Let me know what you think of the tumblr!

Bad Blogger

I've been neglecting this little blog a bit more than I was anticipating when I started this whole freelance lifestyle back in May.  As summer rapidly zooms by me, I've decided to take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy my summer, figure out what I want to get out of grad school, and begin this great adventure!  Blog posts will be fewer and more far between, but I will still be updating my twitter and pinterest like a fiend, providing content on design, interiors, fashion, and entrepreneurship. I'm still deciding if I want to maintain my blog while in school, and would love to hear your thoughts on whether or not it is feasible to keep up with school, work, homework, and blogging.  Any other suggestions besides blogging? (I can't just quit cold turkey!!) Maybe tumblr?  Would love to hear your thoughts!

Image via Pinterest

LA Hotspots

I'm back from an awesome trip to LA, and totally inspired about checking out new and exciting things to do in the City of Angels.  (If you are curious where we went and what we did, check my twitter for some ridiculous pics.)  All morning I've been compiling lists and lists of the best places to shop, eat, and chill in the LA area from my favorite LA based bloggers: Emily, Bri, Joy, and Jessie.  Sometime on Friday I'll be launching the new page with all kinds of exciting links and maps, so you can find just what you want to do in just the right 'hood.  Fill me in on your favorite LA places to be in included as well!

Image via My Cup of Te