Our Foyer Makeover

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Our-Foyer-Makeover
 
 

Our-Foyer-Makeover
 
 
Our-Foyer-Makeover
 
 

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Our-Foyer-Makeover
 
 
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My husband and I can’t agree on anything easily when it comes to home décor. We haven’t actually decorated our whole house yet, and we have lived there for almost 5 years. We have actually redecorated some rooms more than once, and some we just can’t agree on so absolutely nothing has happened in them décor-wise.

I think that because it takes us so long to make decisions, we end up redecorating in the meantime! Our front foyer was decorated once when we moved in, then we were selected to be in a makeover feature in Style at Home Magazine where they redecorated a few rooms in our home including our front foyer, and now our tastes have changed again and here we are again with a new room!

You can take a look at our old front foyer in these photos below!
 
 

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We loved the way our old foyer looked, but decided we needed a change so we collaborated on ideas for what to do. Collaboration is actually code for “it took us many months to agree on everything”, but the good news is we are still happily married and our foyer is complete!

The old foyer had a light blue paint, so we decided to lighten it up with a grey called The Plaza by CIL (50GY 72/012). Not only did it have the perfect name (we decided to paint around the time I was heading to New York and I had The Plaza Hotel on my mind!), but I really liked how it brightened up the hallway.

Thank goodness my husband is a handy guy! He is great at taking antique pieces and refinishing them into something fresh and new. We picked up the hall table at a barn and were told it was made in the 1920’s. I loved the detail on it, so I asked my hubby to sand it and paint it black with CIL’s Smart3 for Furniture and Cabinets.

Next up we needed a sturdy bench for our toddler to get his shoes on in the morning before we head out the door, so we picked up this great bench at Bouclair. It fit the wall we placed it on perfectly, and it’s a solid bench that doesn’t move or shake at all.

I LOVE Homesense as you will clearly be able to see once I tell you where the rest of the foyer’s look came from! It didn’t take one trip to Homesense – probably 7 or 8 before I put together everything else I was looking for.

We picked up this rug at Homesense and I LOVE it! If they had two I would of bought it in case this one gets destroyed as this is a high-traffic area. The pattern is really fun and different. The frames on the table, the faux antler, and the tray are all from Homesense.

I picked up these great mirrors from Homesense for only $39.99 each which was great deal because mirrors can be so expensive! The pillow on the bench was also from – you guessed it! – Homesense for only $29.99.

These stools are my favourite part of the room. I saw them at Homesense, went home to think about them, then ran back to the store around 8:30pm where I found another couple sitting on them! Luckily there were four in total, so I politely waited until they decided which two they would take. I gently suggested the other two I didn’t want, and I went home a happy girl.
 
 
Our-Foyer-Makeover
 
 

The heads on the wall were all purchased from Homesense, but a couple had hooks on them, and they were all different colours of silver or brass. My husband cut off the hooks and painted them all silver except one that he painted in an aqua colour. Every room in our house has one piece that is aqua, so we decided to choose one of the heads to be that colour.

Existing items in the room included the light fixture (from – you guessed it – Homesense) and the windowpane which was brought in by the Style at Home team which we love as a divider between the foyer and the living room.

I truly didn’t realize how much Homesense was actually in this room until I started writing. I thought I had curated everything from different stores, but the majority ended up being from Saturday morning trips to Homesense with the family in tow, and a Starbucks in hand. Actually I would be a pretty easy person to stalk because I’ve just realized this is my Saturday morning routine, so if you are looking for me because I borrowed a sweater from you or something you can catch up with me there.

What do you think of our foyer makeover? Do I need more to fill the room up, or have I decorated it with just enough pieces? Let me know in the comments – suggestions are welcomed!

 
 

Xoxo Mandy

 
 

Finding a Valentine’s Day Outfit on a Budget

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

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Valentine’s Day can be stressful for plenty of reasons, but one of them shouldn’t be your outfit! Whether you have a casual day planned or a big night out, wanting to look a little more special than usual is a priority for most people.

Looking great doesn’t need to cost a lot, so I’ve put together a few tips for finding a great Valentine’s Day outfit on a budget, and I put together an outfit using my tips.

First of all, choose your retailer wisely. If you read the blog often, you know I’m a big fan of Forever 21. They have a huge selection, everything is always very trendy and stylish, and the price point is perfect for an outfit on a tight budget.

Red is the signature colour of Valentine’s Day, so I made of point of wanting red accessories. Purchasing a red outfit would be lovely, but if you are on a budget it may not be the best choice. It’s harder to find occasions to wear red, so purchasing a red dress may not be the best investment.

Instead I think purchasing red accessories will keep the Valentine’s Day theme in mind when putting together an outfit, and those accessories can be more easily repurposed into everyday wear.

When I was at Forever 21 I went straight to the themed section near the registers full of Valentine’s Day wear. I picked up some amazing red suede lace up pointed flats that I know I will wear over and over again ($39.90), and an adorable red clutch with the words “Love” embossed in gold ($7.90).

 
 

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I wanted an outfit that was dressy for an evening out, but something that I could wear over and over again and wasn’t just for Valentine’s Day. I decided to pick a blush pink shift dress that was perfect for Valentine’s Day because it was pink, and the price was very affordable at $29.90.

I found this dress with the new spring arrivals at the store, and it will be perfect for wearing over and over with different accessories to create other looks.
 
 
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To finish off my Valentine’s Day look on a budget I needed a statement necklace, and since I tried to save money on this look I decided to dig through my current jewlery collection to find something to complete the look.

I ended up finding a romantic lace-look bib necklace that I’m not sure I even wore before in my closet. Since the rest of the look was new, it seemed like everything was new including the necklace (bonus!), and I saved money along the way.
 
 
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What are your tips for finding a Valentine’s Day outfit on a budget? Let me know in the comments if you have any tricks for shopping with a budget in mind.

 
 

Xoxo Mandy

 
 

Easy Weekend Outfit

I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 

I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....
 

 
I Wouldn't Say I'm Obsessed with Fringe....

 

 

Crepe Fringe Top – Banana Republic | Ripped Jeans – American Eagle Outfitters | Suede Lace Up Shoes – Kate & Mel Town Shoes | Handbag – Gucci
 

 

Here’s the thing – I’m not a quitter. I don’t like to give up or give in, so if I’m committed to something I go all the way. For example if I were really into a certain trend like, say fringe, I would really really give it my all.

Does that explain why so many of my style posts over the last 6 months may or may not involve some sort of fringe? Probably. I’m a girl obsessed it seems.

This Banana Republic Crepe Fringe Top is one of my new favourite pieces. I bought a petite medium so it’s a little oversized, but I liked that about it. It’s not too structured so I wasn’t too concerned with a perfect fit. I’ve had a thing for AEO jeans as of late because they have the best distressed denim! Once you wash their jeans a few times they look like they have frayed naturally.

I am in love with these new suede heels with a lace up front and a cute (you guessed it!) fringe detail on the laces. They are surprisingly comfy, although I will have to check the weather for rain before I leave the house when I wear them because of the suede. They are perfect to wear this year because of the lace up shoe trend, plus tassels will be hot again this season. They are the perfect shoe for 2016!

I hope you are having a great week!

 

 
Xoxo Mandy

 

A Pink and Sparkly Look from Pink Blush + A $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

A Pink and Sparkly Look from Pink Blush + A $50 Gift Card Giveaway!
 

 
A Pink and Sparkly Look from Pink Blush + A $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

 

 
A Pink and Sparkly Look from Pink Blush + A $50 Gift Card Giveaway!
 

 
A Pink and Sparkly Look from Pink Blush + A $50 Gift Card Giveaway!
 

 
If there are two things I love, it’s the colour pink and a lot of sparkle. When they are combined I’m pretty much sold on whatever the item is. Based on that, this sweater I’m wearing is now one of my favourites on rotation in my closet.

Pink Blush is an online shop full of clothing that makes me squeal a little when I see what they have to shop. There are so many “must have’s” that it’s hard to decide what to choose. This is a good problem – too much to choose from is never a bad thing (unless your credit card bill is addressed to your husband).

I thought pairing this Pink Sequin Accent Sleeve Knit Sweater from Pink Blush with white jeans and heels would be a great way to dress it up, but still keep warm in these frigid Canadian temperatures! I was freezing when we took these photos, but that’s to be expected for where I live.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, this pretty pink sweater makes me think of putting together the perfect outfit for the big day with the help of this sparkly sweater.

Pink Blush also has a phenomenal maternity line. I really wish I knew about it when I was pregnant, because this would be my go-to shop. They have some really cute and stylish pieces.
 

 

A Pink and Sparkly Look from Pink Blush + A $50 Gift Card Giveaway!
 

 
Pink Blush and Pink Blush Maternity have free shipping to the US, and super cheap shipping to Canada – only $9.99!

I am so glad I have a new and affordable place to buy clothing from that has items I won’t find in a shopping mall. They have a wide selection, and everything really seems to match my personal style.

To shop Pink Blush yourself, visit them here, or better yet do it with the gift card you can win on the blog!

To enter, all you need to do is like and share this post here on my sparkleshinylove Facebook page. Liking and sharing the post will earn you one entry into the contest for a $50 gift card to Pink Blush. The contest begins at 10:00pm EST on Tuesday, January 26th, 2016 and ends on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 at 10:00pm EST. One winner will be selected at random, and will be contacted that evening. This contest is open to both US and Canadian residents.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

 

 
Xoxo Mandy

 
 

 

Toddler Street Style with Little & Mighty

Toddler Streetstyle with Little & Mighty

 

 

Toddler Streetstyle with Little & Mighty

 

 
Toddler Streetstyle with Little & Mighty
 

 
Toddler Streetstyle with Little & Mighty
 

 
Toddler Streetstyle with Little & Mighty
 

 

Little & Mighty is a modern children’s-wear company that is run by three mothers from Texas. They have two different lines – Baby and Little Kids – and their designs are really fun!

When I was choosing something for my son on their website he happened to be with me, and he loved all of the different looks because they had pictures of things he loves like tractors, zebras and toads.

My son is getting to the age where he likes to choose his outfits, so it’s been slightly more difficult to dress him lately. It helps if we both like what he is wearing, so him choosing to wear this cute ensemble is perfect! The Toad Shirt is his new favourite.

I think this Dinosaur Hoodie is adorable! My son couldn’t stop roaring when he was wearing it. Well, actually he said he was a superhero-dinosaur, which may explain his poses in this series of photos.

Both The Toad Shirt and The Dinosaur Hoodie were well made and didn’t shrink at all when I washed them.

I love what they have to offer, and I can’t wait to see what they design next! It’s really great to see mothers who run a company like this because they know what kids will like since they have experience with their own children.

For more information about Little & Mighty visit www.LittleandMighty.com.

Thank you to Little & Mighty for collaborating with me on this post!

 

 
Xoxo Mandy