A NYE DIY!

My Collection of Memories

It is no secret that I love to travel (who doesn't), but during my trips I usually find some sort of trinket and jewelry piece to take with me. I love a beautiful piece of vintage jewelry but slipping on a necklace or ring and instantly remembering the past trip is an even greater feeling. Nothing can replace your memories but these trinkets and baubles I have collected help me to remember all the little details. 

The necklace above was purchased in a tiny store I found while I was wandering the streets in Amsterdam. The weather was a little brisk and I was a little nervous exploring the brick paved alleyways all alone but as soon as I saw this sweet simple shop and stepped though its arched doorway, I fell in love with the raw nature of the goods. It turns out that the necklace above was made in a tiny Pakistani village from recycled glass, metals, and shoelaces (very crafty). Something I will never forget! 

Below is a few of my favorite pieces that each hold a near and dear memory. I am looking forward for my collection to grow, new travel memories, and my passport to be filled with stamps! 

I am ready for 2013

Inspired: Interiors

A week ago I was crying in the kitchen while thinking of all the memories I had in our house and this week I am getting excited thinking of new memories that will be built in our next residence. My emotions are a little up and down lately and I can always blame this on the weather like so many of us do when a nose sniffle appears, and excessive tiredness overwhelms us. Ha

Like so many of you, I am addicted to Pinterest. In the morning I wake up by slowly scrolling through Pinterest or instagram with one eye shut (as if I am preserving energy), and press the "like" button as if it was a race. I am admittedly a bit addicted and am trying to behave, but yet, this post would of never existed.....and we just can not have that! right?

Hey You!

It's Friday (yay) and only days away from Christmas, so

enjoy warm hugs and great laughs with loved ones. Oh, and have a happy weekend!

Mitten DIY

This DIY was super fun for me to post since my beautiful mom created these adorable mittens (for me)! She was so excited to show me her creation and for good reason. Scraps of old winter accessories transformed into one of a kind mittens. Very Creative

Note: As a template, use your hand and trace a half inch larger in size. 

These will be my "Must Have" accessory for the winter season. Thanks Mom! I'm in love:)

Music Video Tuesday

      

Last night (Monday 12/18) I had a adventurous trip into the city and was super excited to see Of Monster and Men with my sister! We ate good food, had a few scares, had a few laughs, and was in awe of all the vocal talents. One person in particular that I loved for her gritty sort of rock and roll voice was Miss Elle King. A gal that I am sure you will be hearing more of. 

I will be posting my full day in the city a little later but in the meantime, enjoy this video:)

Printable Tags

Christmas is almost here and the wrapping of presents has begun. My very favorite part of presenting a gift is making each one a little personal with the choices of ribbons and gift tags, so I was super excited to find beautiful FREE gift tags. Click on the links below your desired design!

Kelly Murray's Christmas Gift Tags

Poppytalks Chalkboard Christmas Gift Tags

Love vs Designs Ugly Sweater Gift Tags

Anthropologies Dear Christmas Gift Tags

Modern Day Christmas Gift Tags

A little printers tip (from experience, although this may bee obvious to you): You should print the tags out on adhesive paper. This way you can print, cut, peel, and stick. For a few more minutes of your time, print our the design on card stock, cut and punch a hole so you can string a cute bakers twine through it for that extra crafters touch. 

Music Video Tuesday

     
This video is not like my usual La Tee Daa happy picks but I wanted to be serious for a moment.

Yesterday I cried. It doesn't happen often, but I was flooded with memories which in turn triggered many emotions. The reason for all of the tears? We are moving. Mostly by choice, but the thought of leaving my little home that I sweat and bled into for many years seemed like memories that would be lost. The first time I brought my little Gretta Beans through those doors, the first Halloween party we ever had, the first time I made a great meal, hosting our first Easter, etc.....

When I saw this video, all of my problems seemed ridiculous. In fact, I realised that I was focusing too much energy on where I am living instead of actually doing the living. I want to do good in the world and not be naive to other peoples problems because I can't get past my own.

A week or so back a blogger friend posted on small businesses that are for missions to help, save, and give. I felt inspired and yet I still got caught up in a house. This video was my reminder to look past all of my "stuff" and focus on good.

My wheels are now turning with ideas on how I can spend my time helping others and the Holiday spirit has kicked in!

On a side note: Radiohead is forever my soul band. They can do no wrong in my book and their dedication to helping others is flawless. Thank you guys!

Doggie Bow Tie DIY

I you haven't noticed already, we here at 11 Eureka are a bit obsessed with doggies! In my family there are 10 adopted dogs (I have 2, my mom has 4, and my sister has 4), so our weekend trips to Michigan quickly becomes a dog park and I love it! 

For my upcoming wedding, we are allowing some of the well behaved pooches to be a part of our big day and wanted to dress them up for the happy occasion. We created these sweet bow ties and are now obsessed with how well they turned out!

Our dog model Rufus seems to love his plaid creation!

Brie Crostini Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Top each piece of baguette with a slice of Brie cheese.

Bake in oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, 5 to 6 minutes.

Top each with 3 slices of strawberry & 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Serve, Bite, Chew, Enjoy

Even Gretta is waiting for a bite!

Paper Flower Garland DIY

For my sisters birthday I wanted to make a pretty little garland that is ever something special from our usual crepe paper strands. This D.I.Y. was super simple and took less then 10 minutes to crepe.....I mean Create! Hee Heee

Step 1: Fold the crepe paper in a fan shape. Step 2: Fold the paper fan in half to create your paper flower bud. Pinch the bottom for a strong hold. Step 3: Continue folding the crepe paper around the bud till you get your desire bloom size. Step 4: Twist the bottom of the paper bloom to secure your creation. Congratulations!!! Your paper flower is done! 

Now you can glue each flower to your desired string/rope and drape your garland through out the room.

Instagram for November

Can you believe December is practically here! This month was filled with crazy good memories and the theme was Eating! Candy leftovers from Halloween, Christmas candy arrivals, Brazilian steakhouse feasts, RPM Italian goodness, Thanksgiving, and even a bit of BBQ tasting! 

The jeans are fitting a bit more snug, so I hope that December brings me healthy food options. Very unlikely, but here's to hoping:)

Music Video Tuesday

     

This video was too sweet not to share! I giggled as I thought about what TJ and I will be like in our old age and I hope this video rings true for us:) 

Watch and enjoy!

BHLDN Chicago

I finally made the trip down to BHLDN Chicago and fell deep in love.

 The soft pallets mixed with unique details (hellooo, Angel wings floating rom the ceiling), mixed with the colorful garments, makes me a very happy gal!

Basically ever since the Anthropologie wedding branch of BHLDN was born, I knew that this was the first stop I would make on my wedding planning journey. 

I really didn't know what to expect, but the warm greetings from the staff made my experience a lovely one. If you are like me and get extremely overwhelmed by the ridiculous amount of dress options, this is the place for you. A handful of very unique gowns was all I needed. 

I will tell you that trying on wedding gowns was a very odd feeling and for the anti-bride in me, I wanted to scratch the typical white colored dress. I wanted to say "can you grab that adorable yellow dress or the rhinestone maxi", but knew that would not be the right choice and just needed to dive head first into bridal land for once. 

I am glad I did because I found a dress that makes me feel normal yet I look like a bride! For those who are not aware, I have phobias against wearing white (explanation is here), so I need to pat myself on the back for facing my fears:) Pat, Pat, Pat

Above: two gowns that where lovely but not "the one".

A little Thank You to the sweet staff at BHLDN Chicago for taking the time meet with me on several occasions :) 

Cyber Monday

While I was relaxing this weekend and super thankful to spend Thanksgiving weekend with my loved ones, I am guessing a handful of you where shopping the many sales on Black Friday. A little crazy for my taste (I hate big pushy crowds) and I don't really like to shop the sales in stores because it can get  mucho crazy, so the fact that so many stores are throwing great online sales is amazing! I love Cyber Monday!!!

Here are a few stores celebrating:

BHLDN- 20% off everything

11 Eureka Boutique- 30% off everything. Type in code happyone12 at checkout

Thread Sence- 20% off everything. Type in code TSCM20

J Crew- 20% off everything plus Free Shipping

Free People- Free Shipping on all orders plus 20% off sale items

Ruche- 30% off all new arrivals

A Beautiful Mess- 25% off any e-course

Chicwish- Take 20% off all non-sale items. Type in code CM20

I'll be adding to this list as I find more sale worth sharing!

Are any of you doing Cyber Monday shopping? What's on your list?

Look what we are cooking!

We are wishing everyone a safe a very happy holiday!

Music Video Tuesday

This mini movie (a 6 minute long video) touches at my bohemian heart strings, but then again, everything that is part of the Edward Sharpe crew makes me feel this way:) 

Next year I think I need a horse back riding adventure in the desert while creating new music (I realistically can not sing or play instruments). It may or may not be as great as The Magnetic Zeros journey, but whatev.......Lets pretend!    

Winter Coat Wishlist

1. Mod Cloth   ,  2.  Free People

3. Anthropologie  , 4. Chicwish

5. Urban Outfitters  , 6. Nordstroms

If I am a good girl for the rest of the year, can I have them all? I don't want to choose. Every girl needs a patterned, fur trimmed, puff, and leather coat in her closet, right?

6 Scarves Video

       

As promised, we have added some more goodies to our shop and this weekend was filled with taking pictures and making this cute little video. We hope it helps to get your holiday spirit ready for the busy and very cold season:) enjoy

Tis Seasons Newest Arrivals

Chunky sweaters, sweet accessories, sparkly frocks, and plenty of scenty candles to help us celebrate this winter season! New arrivals are here and more goodies are being added through the week, so stay tuned for more festive pictures:)