Home favorites
Bedroom
Brass Dome Cameron Table Lamp (World Market)
Classic shape, with clean simple lines. Lovely brass color. Gives me studying in a classy library vibes. Good size for nightstands - not too big, not too little. Versatile pieces - could work on a desk, table.
Maya Carafe Set (Anthropologie)
Purchased two in the amber/orange color way. You never know when you’re going to need a drink of water in the middle of the night. Doubles as decor.
Leirvik bed frame (Ikea) - thrifted from FB marketplace
The reviews for this bed frame are awful, mostly for being very squeaky. I tightened the bolts, and thus far have not had any issues with this bed frame. I like the romantic, whimsy, cottage core, this bed frame adds, but it also reads as classic in my book.
Mid-Century Modern Wood Nightstand - Saracina Home (Target)
These same side tables are sold by many different online stores, so I would make sure to shop around and price compare. Target had the best price when I was looking. These side tables have pretty mixed reviews - negatives are that they are challenging to put together, at times with pilot holes or other things manufactured incorrectly. The positives are that they look stylish and are solid pine. I have a positive impression thus far. Mine arrived slightly chipped (I could’ve returned, but it didn’t bother me), and were manageable to assemble (similar to my IKEA experiences). Solid pine, which is hard to find. The pine is somewhat soft, might be prone to getting scratched up, but the quality is good for the price, and better than other veneer options as this price point. I’m pleased with this purchase. Two little drawers, can never have enough storage.
Coral Glass Bud Vases (World Market)
I purchased two of the short round coral vases pictured here, one for each night stand. Unplanned for bonus - they nicely pair with the Anthropologie carafes, and now each nightstand has a collection of 3 objects (lamp, bud vase, carafe) that nicely “go” without being matchy matchy. I like things in sets of 3.
Geometric Carved Wood Ashford Console (World Market)
I use this as a vanity/desk, and I like the slim profile, which works nicely in a bedroom. Paired with a sage velvet storage pouf (also World Market), which slides neatly underneath.
Living Room
Trudeau Sectional Sofa With Storage (World Market)
Bargain alert! Mine came to $450 with use of a coupon. Really lovely piece - super comfortable, versatile grey color, handy storage in the chaise portion.
Charcoal Wood Slat Spence Media Stand (World Market) - Thrifted from FB marketplace
Pretty narrow, so good for small spaces, but just big enough for my decently sized TV. Made of solid wood. Shelves, and most importantly doors for hiding the cords and clutter. I think this style is really neutral and versatile, and could work in a lot of different styles of spaces.
Estelle Coffee Table (Urban Outfitters)
Love the mid century modern style of this coffee table. It has great reviews, and I agree with all of them. Solid wood, very stylish and feels like quality. Came impeccably packaged.
Black Graphic Woven Emerson Indoor Outdoor Area Rug (World Market)
Hot tip: I like to buy indoor/outdoor grade rugs and throw pillows as they are usually made better, and hold up better. Handwoven from recycled plastic bottles by Indian artisans. I’ve had this rug for several years, and it has held up well. Neutral colors, but the pattern adds interest without being too busy/loud.
Champagne Gold And Marble 2 Tier Bar Cart (World Market)
I’ve had this bar cart for a number of years. It has morphed over time from a true bar cart, holding glassware and alcohol, to a coffee cart (which I don’t recommend - coffee stains the actually real white marble), and now a cart of textbooks. It’s been a versatile piece. Bar carts aren’t as trendy as they once were, but I still really like them, and appreciate their versatility. It’s just a table on wheels.
Outdoors
Orange Mod Tile Reversible Indoor Outdoor Rio Floor Mat (World Market)
I’m usually a fan of natural fibers, and neutral colors for bigger purchases like a rug, but I made a mistake last time of buying a nice jute rug, and then moving someplace very nature-y with tons of birds. Buy for your actual life, and not your dream life. My actual life needs are a rug I can easily clean bird poo off of. I’m using the orange only side (as opposed to the orange and pink). I like the color juxtaposition of blue and orange.
French Bistro Patio Set - Threshold (Target)
French bistro style is timeless, and also something I very much personally enjoy. Look at old pictures of Paris cafe culture. Pictures from 50 years ago look as if they could also be modern day.
Kitchen
I could wax lyrical for weeks about how much I love East Fork Pottery. There are hard core fans everywhere for a reason. I love supporting a local company, who ethically produce lovely quality items, with commitment to justice. #Themug might be my favorite piece, it has a cult following for a reason, it’s just perfect. Can’t say enough good things. Hot tip: Shop their seconds sale (I caught a sale on sale seconds for extra savings). My pieces are supposed to have small flaws as a “second,” and they are tiny little marks that I think add character, or they are so minimally flawed, I can’t even find the flaws the majority of the time. I bought four of each of: coupe, dinner plate, mug, in each of the four standard color ways - panna cotta, eggshell, amaro, and morel. I love all of the colors, but I think eggshell is my favorite because it has the most speckles in it.
This is the most recent purchase of the lot, so still forming my opinion. Notably so far - easy clean up, very much non-stick. It makes my heart beam with joy that there is a storage system included, so everything has a spot and remains organized. That alone, might sell me, but it’s also been a very high quality set. Love this terra cotta color way.
Global Classic 10-Piece Takashi Knife Wood Block Set
Once you use a good knife, there is no going back. I’ve even considered traveling with one of these knives (in checked baggage of course), as I don’t ever want to be without a good knife. There are expertly crafted in Japan. The knife handle is filled with sand - to be perfectly weighted and balanced. I feel like that detail alone is enough to see how great these knives are.
Marble Top and Gold Tulip Leilani Dining Table (World Market)
Classic mid century modern tulip shape, which I think is timeless. I got the black marble version, which I’m happy I did - a bit more unexpected than white, and less prone to staining. This is a real marble piece, and feels like high quality BUT it is really heavy and a pain to move. Pairs nicely with matching Leilani chairs in a neutral velvet.
Channel Back Leilani Upholstered Dining Chair Set of 2 (World Market)
High quality spices in the most adorable, well designed little tins in punchy rainbow colors. Hot tip: I have them arranged by color in rainbow order, and looking at it brings me joy. I have the 18 pack kitchen essentials and the middle eastern collection.
Glass Oil Bottle with Gold Stopper (World Market)
I like to have olive oil and vinegar out, and having a set of these allows them to stay out by the stove, but without being an eyesore.
White And Blue Ceramic Tunis Utensil Holder (World Market)
Blue and white ceramic in a kitchen is very classic. I have this utensil crock, as well as matching paper towel holder.
Campbell Oven Mitt (Anthropologie)
Still not over gingham everything, especially in neutral colors.
Recycled Mexican Glassware (similar)
I love thick recycled glass. I have white and clear speckled ones, but I’m a fan of the clear pictured here (not a fan of the colorful speckled ones, I think the thickness of the glass should be the standout design feature).
Did I need a toaster? Yes. But did I buy this one primarily because it’s tiny, yellow, and absolutely adorable? Also yes. It’s now best friends with matching mini waffle maker.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker (Target)
Healthier Together cookbook by Liz Moody
This and Blue Zones cookbook are my two favorite cookbooks. I like that this book is meals for two - you can easily double it to batch cook, but it comes already written for just the two of us. Recipes hit that perfect sweet spot for me of being easy enough to make, but also interesting and not boring, and delicious enough, while being nutrient dense and nutrition focused. I like every recipe I’ve made so far.
