Easter Eggs-travaganza

Enjoying a seasonal favorite accented by the perfect color, Essie’s Nice is Nice

The weekend went by in a blur, and not just because we squeezed in so many Easter-themed events.  As a regular reader of the photography tips on this fantastic blog, I’ve been looking forward to getting a new lens so that I can achieve the background-blur bokeh effect in my photographs. Since I received the new equipment on Friday afternoon, I’ve been more than happy to experiment with it by documenting all of our fun holiday adventures.

Letting the cool breeze mingle with a Spring-scented candle that I hid away at the end of last summer

Finding our last-minute handiwork fun, but a tad less than eggs-ceptional

Instead of hunting for eggs, sandcastle-scouting on the shores of Lake Michigan

Putting some of my latest craft purchases to work; Inside reads "Have a Tweet Easter!"

Spring Sprung

Although it’s not quite warm enough to pack away sweaters and winter coats yet, spring has decidedly sprung in the neighborhood. I couldn’t resist the chance to throw on my faux fur vest for what may be one of the last times this season and rush out after work to capture some lakeside sights in the dwindling daylight. And because the pastel colors are reminiscent of the upcoming Easter holiday, these pictures are just the thing to set the tone for a weekend filled with egg dying and candy eating.  

Rug Doctor

The thought of using my entire tax return to outfit my new office space is incredibly enticing. I just can’t bear the thought of a brand new desk sitting all by itself on the ugly, tan Berber carpet that covers the floor of our condo. I’ve convinced myself that a new area rug would help visually distinguish our computer area from the TV lounge space, which is much needed since both uses are squeezed into one large living room. Oh Nate Berkus, I think you may have taken hold of my subconscious.

1. IKEA Koldby, $199

2. Madeline Weinrib Vintage Moroccan Hand-Knitted Carpet, unlisted

3. Anthropologie Awash Rug, $2,998

4. Jayson Home Oushak Rug, $1,795

5. Z Gallerie Union Jack Rug, $299.95

6. West Elm Zig Zag Rug, $699

Desk Dreams

  Sadly, this scenario isn't too far from the truth right now.

I don’t make financial decisions lightly, especially when it comes to buying new furniture for an 800 sq. ft. rental condo that we’ve somehow already managed to fill to the brim with mismatched odds and ends. We’re in that awkward stage of life when half of our possessions are hand-me-downs that we’ve reluctantly moved from place to place since college graduation. So while we’re slowly acquiring things we love, I wouldn’t say that our home entirely reflects us in its current state.

Yet, my hesitation to invest in something permanent for a non-permanent place has left me somewhat torn over what I should do about a new desk.  Our beat-up old coffee table is already multi-tasking as a dinner table, ottoman, and magazine rack, so its use as an office is unquestionably short-lived. And, well, there are just so many fabulous desk options out there calling my name.

Option 1: Unique Vintage Fixer Upper

         

I’ve considered trying my luck at one of my favorite local antique markets for a one-of-a-kind DIY, although something tells me that I have neither the luxury of time nor the space to refurbish at this critical juncture.

       Option 2: Martha (of course)

Although a bit on the pricey side, Martha’s newest option provides a clean, neutral backdrop for just about any décor I may choose to have, now or in the future. 

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Option 3: IKEA

When in doubt, everybody's favorite Swedish superstore is the place for a noncommittal, quick and easy furniture fix. 

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Option 4: Classic Parsons

                           
As one of my favorite bloggers demonstrates in her enviable home office, the ever-stylish Parsons Desk can always be counted on to effortlessly get the job done. This would be an easy choice were it not for my desire to have two of them paired side-by-side, making it a double investment in my case. 

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Option 5: The Dream Desk

   Or, I could just quit beating around the bush, take a deep breath, move beyond the

   impracticality of it, and get what I really want. 

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