[HOH Feature]: House Tours

We're embarking on a new adventure!!!

We love decorating our houses and so, we obviously spend a lot of time doing so [generally over and over and over again]. Since our first joint post [just under 2 months ago], we've been hard at work, thinking of creative ways to share our favorite home design elements with you, our fab readers. 

Over some homemade pizza last week, we had a revelation [you know, like when a light goes off in your head]. This revelation, though, was a joint one. It was pretty awesome...and pretty annoying for our husbands [Tim and Tom - how fitting] to listen to, I'm sure. Here's how it went:

D: We need to find a way to do a sort of, ya know... house tour?

V: So we can show off our favorite pieces...
D: Yeah, like a countdown?
V: YES [we actually high-fived at this point]... and then we can list what we like from each OTHER'S houses!?
D: YES - we'll do a countdown over a series of a few days [I was stuck on this countdown thing, obvi]

V: YES! We are so awesome. [More high-fiving, a bit of jumping up and down - we're such losers].

So, over the next few weeks, you'll be seeing a series of posts counting down our top 5 favorite things in our homes, and our 5 favorite things in each other's homes - mostly because you'd be surprised at what other people love best about your place.

We're hoping that by sharing our most favorite finds, we can inspire you in finding that unique element you've been missing to give your space that little extra oomph.

Enjoy!

[HOH Mishap]: Threading the Needle

So, we left you last week in a rush of excitement at the possibility of me finally learning how to sew. And, as promised, Dena and I got together with every intention of creating the most fabulous pillow slipcovers you've EVER SEEN with aforementioned new sewing machine and gorgeous fabric from Philly.

BUT, our plans were put on hold when, upon taking my brand new Singer out of the box, Dena looked at me and said; 'Wait, did you buy thread?'

No.

No I did not buy thread Dena - I mean why would I buy thread to start a sewing project?

And so goes a day in the life of the ladies of House of Her. Always well-intentioned, but sometimes lacking that crucial, last minute reality check. But, it's okay - it's kind of nice living up here in the clouds... ;)

[HOH Glorious Friday]: Sewing Lessons

Unlike pretty much everyone I know, I never took sewing class in high school. I can't sew a button, fix a hem, or mend a hole - it's pathetic. So, for this past Christmas, my charming husband fulfilled all of my domestic goddess fantasies and bought me a sewing machine!

[It remains to this day in its original packing, in our basement... sigh.]

Since our fair Dena is a master of the stitch, I've conned her into giving me a lesson or two and we're finally getting around to making it happen THIS WEEKEND! First project: pillow slip covers for my living room, with some GORGEOUS fabric we found on a recent road trip to Philly.

Combined with perhaps some Chinese takeout and a beer or two, we're set for a fabulous Friday night - can't wait to share the results!

Happy Weekend!

[HOH Events]: Photos of a Baby Shower

Hi darling readers.

So, we're obviously back in our creative swing [we knew it wouldn't last forever!]. And. I'm back with photos from my sister's darling baby shower.

This is Jaclyn [and her baby bump].

She's ready to pop. Any day now. She's so cute, isn't she?

Anywho. So, you know the guest of honor [and that's me and my hysterical cousin, Diane, in the background], now let me introduce you to her incredible baby shower.

There was no specific color scheme for the day. Without knowing the sex of the baby just yet, we didn't focus on pinks and purples or blues and greens. We focused on color. With these homemade tissue paper pom poms...

We placed the pizzas at varying heights and decorated the tables with LOADS of tulips, in a sea of tulle. And when the pizza was finished, we swapped in the desserts, perfected with two AWESOME cakes...

My homemade carrot cake.

And the super-adorbs professional cake.

That's all we have for now. I'll be back with photos of our new family addition, as soon as possible!

Love yas!

[HOH Spotlight]: Lyda82

Meet Lyda.

[and Amélie]

I've known Lyda for many, many years. [Many].

And as long as I've known her, she's had this incredibly unique personal style - one to envy for sure.

So how lucky are we that Ms. Lyda has launched her own line of super-cool, incredibly affordable handmade accessories?! With a striking marriage of old-school-feminine and goth aesthetic, her necklaces, rings, earrings, and even hair accessories lend just the right amount of unexpected BAD-ASS-ness to any outfit.

Gives me hope that I can be almost as cool as she is... almost.

By way of background, we asked her a few questions:

[HOH]: How long have you been designing?

[Lyda82]: Since 2010

[HOH]:How long does it take you to create each piece?

[Lyda82]: It all depends what piece I am making. It could take a few days, or a few minutes. Thinking about what I am going to design is the hard part, making it is easy.

[HOH]: What designers inspire you?

[Lyda82]: I draw inspiration from Tarina Tarantino and Betsey Johnson.

[HOH]:How's business in the online retail world these days?

[Lyda82]: Business in the online world is fun, but you have to work hard to get your product out there. It has its pros and cons. Pros like free marketing on social networks, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr..etc. Also other community sites like Etsy that helps my store get a little exposure and to support handmade. The Cons are not enough exposure, and hard for people to see the quality of the work. They have to trust images, word of mouth and fan reviews. I am looking to expand and start selling in boutiques.

[HOH]: Could Amélie get any cuter?!

[Lyda82]: Amélie, no she couldn't get any cuter but she does somehow!! I have even started a little doggy collection called 'Vanity Pup,' which was inspired by her. It's a small little collection of

dog charms, but eventually it will grow. She even has her own fan page on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/AdventuresofAmelie . Everyone should check her out, she's a trip.

Here are a few of my personal favorites from Lyda82's fabulous collections:

And, as if her creations weren't swoon worthy enough on their own, Lyda82 is featuring a 10% discount on all purchases until June 1!! Just use the code [Spring].

LYDA82 is based in New York City.

Find her on the web at: www.LYDA82.com, become a fan on facebook, and follow her on twitter!

A Helpful Reminder

image via ffffound

For those days when you're feeling... uninspired.

[Dena and I will be back in creative action tomorrow]

[HOH Glorious Friday]: Old Friend Visits

It's Friday. And I'm a little stoked! My friend Leah is coming to visit this weekend.

I love old friend visits. 

This is Leah. 

Yeah, she's totally cool. 

And we're going to have an awesome time. Leah and I go way back. Back to listening to Beastie Boys. Back to obsessing over boys together. Back to total awkwardness. 

Anyway. I'm excited.