5 Ways To Create Your Own Wall Art

When it comes to home decor there's something that's just so fulfilling about creating something of your own, with that personal touch. While I love things that are already done for me I'm always up for adding my own special quirks to things, especially when it comes to filling up space on walls. Everything from creating my own abstract paintings to hang around the house to using accessories for decor, I've done it and have found it's much more fulfilling that stocking your cart, and checking out.

So I've put together a handful of my favorite wall art inspiration that you can get done in a jiffy, and on a tight budget...

How do you create your space?

1. Paint Chip Memo Board

I've been talking about doing this for what seems like months now to a huge blank frame sitting behind my lamp on my desk, I'm glad someone finally did it just to kick me into gear and get organized! Love this idea, and so easy!

2. Hats As Wall Art

(sorry for my instagram quality..)

I really needed something to fill a blank space on my wall above my desk, and was immediately inspired when I was trying on hats in front of my mirror. It just seemed so effortless and gave the right amount of pop to the wall. I've been in love ever since...(Push Pins and Fabulous Hats is all you need!)

3. Magazine & Hanger Wall Art

There's something so simple and chic about this, and I swear I'm running out this weekend to grab hangers to recreate this look. And it's functional too!

4. Fabric Over Canvas

My mom and I have actually done this but with smaller canvases, I loved playing with textures like leather and chiffon and have been happy with the results. This one is especially fabulous because it's brilliantly colored and the perfect size!

5. Magazine Page Collage Wall Art

My grandmother sent me a page from a past magazine excerpt on tearing out pages and making wall art on a huge oversized canvas and placing behind your desk. While I cannot find the original on the internet, I was equally inspired by this adorably executed room...Hello New Wallpaper!

Would you try these?

Kaleidoscope

Shopping my closet is one of those things that just seems to make everything better, when you know you're in need of a new dress you just walk in your closet, browse a bit and just stumble upon something you haven't seen in what seems like ages. And just like that you have something new again.

jacket c/o spiegel, dress london times, shoes vince camuto, bad debshops

Show Your Savvy Style: Weekender

I love a good challenge, especially when it comes to putting together an outfit for under a certain dollar amount. So, obviously I was quick to jump on board when Coupons.com asked me to create a look for under $100 at Kmart. After browsing for quite sometime I opted for a quick and easy casual, weekend look, layered with a jacket and belt from my own closet and the rest from the store topping out to well under $50! How cute is that studded bag?!

Dress - $14 (Org. $20)

Shoes - $12.99 (Org. $19.99)

Earrings - $2.74 (Org. 10.99)

Bag - $9.09 (Org. $12.99)

disclosure: I was given a gift card by coupons.com to shop the look, as always all opinions are my own.

Spring 2013 Nail Polish Trends

In September, I was lucky enough to take a peek backstage and cover a few of Deborah Lippmann's creations for Spring 2013, and while they're all entirely different, I've found they're each very wearable and are the perfect way to make a statement throughout the season without having to reach for your corals and pinks. With that being said I've rounded up my top three trends with the actual polish, and their more budget friendly dupes...

At Badgley Mischka, Deborah went for a sweet mauve, and insisted that Modern Love is in fact the new nude, I happen to agree. Feminine, yet muted.

From The Runway: Modern Love By Deborah Lippmann, $16

On A Budget: Essie Lady Like, $8;  Love & Beauty Mauve Squad $2.80; Barielle Get Mauve-ing, $8; Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Mauve It, $3.99

At Honor 2013, Deborah took brights to a whole different level opting for white, giving the entire runway show the perfect amount of contrast. Reminiscent of our white out days, I couldn't resist giving this one a try and found myself feeling like a trendsetting 12 year old, in the best possible way...

From The Runway: Deborah Lippmann Amazing Grace, $17

On A Budget: OPI Alpine Snow, $9; H&M Nail Polish White, $3; Orly White Out, $7

For a strong edgy look, Deborah combined a deep hunter green with a gorgeous iridescent lavender grey shade, Wicked Game, at Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2013 presentation. The perfect statement nail without all the work of nail art.

From The Runway: Deborah Lippmann Wicked Game, $17

On A Budget: OPI Not Like The Movies, $4.50; Wet N Wild Gray's Anatomy, $2;  Revlon Smoldering, $5; Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Scarab, $8

Which Trend Are You Itching To Try?

Neon Tropics

Since I reside in more of a tropical setting I often find myself playing along with the style, obviously with my colorful brights but also with a kick a la Mara Hoffman Spring 2013. Lucky for me this dress and these shoes happened to match perfectly, and even got along with my peeking (bright) bandini, all I need now is a palm frond headband and I watching the show all over again...

 dress c/o bobbepin, shoes wildpair, bandini barely there, bag vintage, necklace jewelmint

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes

As a kid I remember my mom whipping up pancakes like it was nobody's business, everything from blueberries to bananas, and it was heaven. To this day I can never resist her breakfast's, and while I lack her skill on perfecting the pancake, I do have her creative ability to try new things.  For instance when I saw the 2 eggs, 1 Banana pins months and months back I immediately tried it, I didn't hate but it lacked that certain flair. So I started to get creative, most recently one night last week when I was in no mood to whip up a real dinner. I opted to add some flavor, and pinch more protein and of course, chocolate. I feel like food only gets better with chocolate, and pancakes are no exception. Best part about these bad boys? They're gluten free and packed full of all sorts of good stuff! This is one pancake you can't skip over, especially on one of those days where you're lacking flour...

Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes - Makes 15 Minis

2 Eggs (Slightly Beaten)

1 Large Ripe Banana

2 Tbsp. Flax Seeds

1/4 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (I use 70% Cacao for extra antioxidants)

1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Tbsp. Cinnamon

1. Mix Eggs and Banana in a bowl until thoroughly mashed.

2. Add cinnamon, flax seeds, chocolate chips and vanilla and stir until fully combined. 

3. Heat skillet to medium heat, and spray with non stick spray or coat with oil. Cook each side until golden brown and serve warm.

4. Enjoy.

(You Can Even Freeze Them and Take Them On The Go!)

This Week...

 I swear neon is popping up everywhere in my life right now, and I absolutely died when I saw these adorable tea cup orchids at Whole Foods for under $10! I kind of freaked out a little bit. Let's just hope the boys don't crush them...

And since our cat has recently become indoor an guy (because of the worst possible neighbors ever) he's been spending way more time lounging in our room, I kind of love it.

And of course I can't ever resist chocolate and these cookies were the perfect addition to my week..

Happy Weekend!

Summer Staple Spot The Steal: Naven's Bardot Blazer

I don't know what it is about a white blazer but I cannot get enough pairings with it, I swear it goes with absolutely everything, I think I've worn mine over 100 times since getting it last fall. So when I stumbled upon Naven's Bardot Blazer while flipping through Style Watch, I immediately remembered this jacket from this post. The peplum and fit has an uncanny resemblance and I can't help but think it was inspired by the celeb favorite. While one is just under $300, the other is on sale for just over $30, I think they're too close to pass up! Looks like we just found our summer staple at a deep discount! What do you think?

Labworks Peplum Blazer, Target $31.49

Naven Bardot Blazer, Boutique To You $286

Feel The Flavor

With the upcoming warm weather season upon us comes lots of bright choices, whether it's a bold manicure or choice in shoes, we're all looking for new ways to bring color into our lives to brighten up our day, and style of course. Obviously you know I'm a huge fan of color in every form, especially when it comes to makeup choices (mostly lips) and playing with cheery separates for all occasions. 

Most recently, Glam has teamed up with Crystal Light to celebrate their six color filled flavors and are giving away Four Summer Essential Gift Bags (One Each Week for Four Weeks), each filled with everything you need to take that step into summer. Entrants are encouraged to share their colorful style, decor and/or entertaining picks inspired by Crystal Light's bold new flavors, and can enter by visiting the Glam.com Facebook page to confirm their Instagram email address, and then post a photo with hashtag #feeltheflavor! Don't be afraid to be bright, and I can't wait to see what everyone posts. Glam.com will pick a winner each week for four weeks. Goodluck!

Crystal Light Liquid. 0 calories. Endless flavor possiblities. For every shade of you. 

www.Crystallightliquid.com

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Crystal Light via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crystal Light. As always all opinions are my own.

Classics

Sometimes a mix of the classics is all you can really do. A Ray Ban Aviator With Chambray and High Waisted Pants, it doesn't get any easier than that...

pants target, shoes shoemint, bag tjmaxx, shirt h&m, sunnies rayban

Sweatshirts and Shorts

There's often days where I just want to throw on a sweatshirt and call it a day, and while I often do this at home I rarely find myself taking it out in public. However, this sweatshirt is a noted exception and since it's been just breezy enough I figured I could get away with pushing the sleeves up and throwing on a pair of knit flounce shorts for a casual outing. Obviously some jewels were need to spice things up but I felt laid back, and without fuss. Mission Accomplished.

Necklaces Sira & Mara and Charles Emerson Designs, Shorts MinkPink, Shoes Vince Camuto, Bag Calvin Klein via TJMaxx, Sweatshirt Chicnova

Sweet'N Low X TfDiaries "Show Off Your Sweet"

When it comes to my personal style I often find myself on more of an edgier side of things, I love playing with bold colors, prints and textures. I often pair my pieces with items that wouldn’t necessarily go together but somehow work perfectly. Adding accessories is always a fun added bonus because I have a seemingly unconditional love for my

shoes, and pick favorites throughout the seasons.

My personal eccentric style goes beyond the clothes I wear; I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate my style into my decor and even my drink choices. For an eccentric and edgy drink, I go for a Cherry Lime Ricky from Sweet'N Low's sweet and stylish beverage menu. The perfect amount of tart with just enough sweet, it goes hand in hand with my personal style...

Don’t forget to check out Sweet'N Low's other amazing drink recipes like the Skinny Cosmo, and see which one best fits your style...

Feeling Sweet? Visit SweetStyleSweeps.com to enter to win a stylish shopping weekend for two in New York City to find the outfits and accessories that showcase your personal style…

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sweet'N Low. All opinions are my own.