Room Redux: Update Your Space on the Cheap

Think of room accessories as jewelry. Sometimes all you need to revamp an old outfit is a bold cuff and a sparkly pair of earrings. The same goes for rooms. There are plenty of ways to change up your home on the cheap. Here are a few of my favourite ways to mix it up and give a room an entirely new personality without breaking the bank:

Paint. Believe it or not, I used to paint my room several times a year. Why? It made everything feel fresh and brand new. Paint is also an inexpensive way to transform a space based on the season.

Pillows. Swap out accent pillows for an instant pick me up. For example, a few crimson throw pillows can instantly take your bedroom from summer to fall. 
Artwork. Swap out your wall art for something that’s seasonally relevant. Or you can even try rotating artwork around within your home. I adore AllPosters.com since you can buy pieces that are framed and ready to go. New artwork is like a mini facelift for rooms.

Flowers. This is another inexpensive yet effective method for changing up a room. Flowers not only add a lovely splash of colour, they offer a seasonal vibe as well.

Candles. Did you know scent is one of the strongest senses? A particular smell can completely change your perception of a space. Scented candles are an excellent way to change the ambience of a room.

Curtains. Give new life to a basic space by spicing it up with pretty drapes. Or update your curtains based on the season. Create a cozy atmosphere by subbing in heavier materials during the colder months. As for spring and summer, opt for lighter fabrics that are diaphanous or lightweight.

The best piece of advice I can offer is to make your space “update friendly” by furnishing your home with neutral colours such as white, beige, camel or grey. Having a neutral backdrop to work with will grant you the freedom to make simple updates with greater ease. A few years ago, I did my room mostly white with turquoise accents. The white setting allowed me to swap out the turquoise pieces for other colours depending on the season. 

What’s your favourite way to breathe new life into a room when you’re on a budget?

Saskia XO
Share photos of your favourite “update items” in the comments below.

Taillored Tuesday

Seems like the whole wide world of fashion is obsessed with 'the peter pan collar', and so am I!

So I created something so uniquely creative which is still ridiculously fashionable.

Feast your eyes on these little beauties and you're sure to be the envy of every fashion forward female.

Step One: Start with clean nails. No polish. No bace coat.

Step Two: Cut binder paper ring stickers so that they are more flexible.

Step Three: Apply to each finger to get that famous neckline!

Step Four: Apply one/two coats of your desired black nail polish.

Step Five: Make the collar using white nail polish. Make two dots next to each other to start the collar and then connect it with the corners (see above).

Step Six: Remove the stickers and use a paint brush to clear up the lines. 

Step Seven: Add a clear coat to secure the micro bead.

Step Eight: Use a damp orange stick to pick up the bead and place it on the nail.

Step Nine: After making a row of "buttons", add one last quick drying coat to secure the beads. 

And voila; you have your very own 'Peter Pan Collar' nails!

What current fashion trends could you incorporate into a nail design?

Saskia XO

If the shoe Fits...

Of course I’ve always thought that (personally) one of the best jobs in the world is making up the prettiest (and sweetest) faces…..and so when I saw this picture posted online about the newest and most creative make up styles on none other than The OC's star: Rachel Bilson, the concoctions of a 'minted makeup' post, immediately blossomed.  

For her first Shoemint campaign -which enabled her to have better access to her AMAZING line of shoes before the world got to see them-… she wore a sweet and charming face:

FACE:  Sensai by Kanebo Fluid Finish Lasting Velvet Foundation in Almond Beige adorned her skin with the help of Beauty Blender pink egg sponge brush to replenish her pores. Hourglass Illume Cream Duo in Bronze Light bronzed subconsciously to help magnify her cheekbones.

EYE: Two layers of Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in Epatant tarnished her lids, creasing gently with they ring finger.   Top AND bottom lash lines were engulfed with Tom Ford Noir Absolute for Eyes and then finished with two coats of Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara.

CHEEK: Chanel Powder Blush in Orchid Rose atoned the apples of her cheeks with the power to blossom blush brush, NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush.

LIP: One single virginated coat of Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Matte Lip Color in L’Exquise radiated to form a perfect pout.

With a couple of months away from Spring, prepare your make up bag early with soft pallet tones, nude glosses and extra volumised lash enhancers!

You heard it here first!

What's your favourite Spring product?

Saskia XO

Fashion Forward

Have you ever purchased a dress that’s so beautifully busy that you just had to have it? Maybe it was the serious sparkle that caught your eye, or maybe those epic embellishments reached out and grabbed you. We’re not talking about a dress with a couple flowers here and there. But I'm talking about a dress that’s so fabulously detailed that it will probably take center stage while hair & makeup happily take supporting roles.

When you look at the pictures above from the Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2012 show in Paris, I see that simplicity shines in their beauty department. The minimal makeup and the perfectly polished pony allow these dresses to say everything. If there’s one thing we can learn here, it’s that sometimes less really is more. There is nothing wrong with showing some restraint when you’re wearing something so stunning.

Do you live by any fashion morals?


Saskia XO

Edible Obsessions: Magical Marshmallow Squares

Morning my beautiful blogees and happy Saturday!

So after having a delightful lie in (until 11.30 ;O) and before I go vintage stall shopping with my mummy and grandma (yes the best grandmother-mother-daughter bonding sesh ever!), I decided to tickle my fancy by making a spread of what I call my 'Magical Marshmallow Squares'.

They are a great addition to any chilled out Saturday morning and are surprisingly simple to make, yet look this charming......

First thing is first, make sure you have these sweethearts...
Ingredients
100g unsalted butter
1/2 table spoon of vanilla extract
250g marshmallows (optional colours)
175g toasted rice cereal

1. Grease a 22x33cm (9x13 in) tin with oil or butter.

2. In a large saucepan,melt the butter into 200g of the marshmallows over low heat. 
























3. Add the vanilla extract. Stir mixture gently.
























4. Add the toasted rice cereal when the marshmallows and butter have melted; stir until cereal is coated. 

5. Cut the remaining 50g of the marshmallows into small chunks and fold in.

6. Quickly pour into the prepared tin. Use a sheet of greaseproof paper to press the mixture down flat and evenly into the tin with a pallet knife. Then let the mixture set for 2 to 3 hours. 

. 

7. Finally cut into squares and enjoy!

Do you have any edible obsessions?


Happy Cooking!

Saskia XO

Friday Favourites!

Well it's that time of the week again; happy Friday everyone! I hope you had a lovely week (and have an even lovelier weekend). As always, here are a few of my weekly favourites....

Favourite Book























Favourite Decor Idea



















Favourite Moment





Favourite Feeling





Favourite Lashes





Favourite Sound (crushing leaves)




Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

What are your favourite images of the week?


Saskia XO

Dear Blogspot, Sincerely blogee

I recently became obsessed with this website called, Dear Blank, Please Blank… It’s hilarious and I can’t get enough of the kitschy comments and clever notes. This is one was my favourites:

Dear Full Closet, How come I have nothing to wear?! Sincerely, Girls Everywhere.
Totally nailed it, right?


Here are some more favorites I found:




Dear teachers,
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
Sincerely, Albert Einstein.



Dear teenage boys,

No, face wash is not only for girls,

Sincerely, you could be so hot.

 

 

Dear boys,

Cinderella didn't have to take off her dress to get her Prince Charming. We won't either.

Sincerely,girls.

 

 

Dear period,

Hey there, I was just packing for my one week holiday by the ocean.

Sincerely, perfect timing.

 

 

Dear safety pin,

Oh the irony...

Sincerely,bleeding.

 

 

Dear guys who wonder why it takes so long for girls to get ready,
Just got out of the shower after carefully shaving, washing and conditioning hair, and actually using SOAP.
Tried on 10 outfits.
Brushed my teeth and my hair.
Blew my hair dry.Styled my hair.
Hated it.
Styled my hair.
Hated it.
Styledmy hair.
Hated it.
Styled my hair.
Finally liked it.
Put on makeup, and madesure it was perfect.
Chose shoes and jewelry that matched the clothes.
Put on perfume
And gave myself a last look-over.

Sincerely, do you understand now?

 

 

Dear McDonalds,

When you say "sorry for the wait," I assume you mean, "sorry for the weight."

Sincerely, I feel sorry for my scale...

Hope you enjoyed my new obsession!

Now it’s your turn to write an open letter… Post your letters in the comments below. I’m excited to see what you come up with! I'll share my favourite submissions in an upcoming Friday Favourites blog!

Saskia XO