Why Didn't I Buy You?

I really wish I had

 image via

Have you ever had regret when you decided NOT to buy something?

If so, then you totally understand what I'm going through. Over the weekend I visited some of my favorite antique shops. Of course I spotted a few things I would have loved to bring home with me but some how found self control and said no. Which almost never happens! Well one item in particular has been haunting my dreams since I walked away: a vintage wire basket with a gym locker vibe. It doesn't seem like much and it's hard to explain but let me tell you, it was gorgeous! And with my room having zero storage [and a tiny closet] I'm always on the hunt for unique pieces that will give my room a little eye candy as well as the storage I desperately need. So then why did I pass this treasure up?
I have NO idea!  A moment of insanity possibly ...

But you better believe I'll be stopping by this weekend to see if it's still there!

Obsession: Golden Globes

Helen Mirren

image via 

I know the blogging world has been full of reviews, best+worst dressed, and favorites from this years Golden Globes but I seriously can't take how gorgeous Helen Mirren looked in this Badgley Mischka gown. Talk about a total babe. Could she look anymore amazing? And her hair ...
If I only I had the courage to chop all of mine off, totally the cut/style I'd want!


Oh, and happy Wednesday friends, only two more days til the weekend!
xo

It's the Weekend!

when all it's going to do is rain

image via

Happy Friday, friends! I don't know about your local weather but the forecast this weekend in Cincinnati is rain rain and more rain. Oh, and temperatures like this: today - 65, tomorrow - 69, and Sunday 55. Um, what is this? It is almost the middle of January, right? Last time I checked we are usually dealing with snow! Although, I'm not going to complain too much because rainy weekends are the perfect excuse to sleep in, cuddle up with a good book, have movie marathons, tackle any projects that I've added to my 'to do' list, and because it's completely necessary: clean my room+do laundry. So this weekend you can find me stomping around town in these (and yes they are the wide calf ... all thanks to spinning!), hopefully finishing this book, and using this and this to make some major progress on a couple of diy's.

What about your weekend? Anything fun planned?

If you are lucky enough to be getting the same rainy weather I am I hope you stay dry!

See you all on Monday!

xo

Industrial By Martha

Wait, what? Really...

Bench

Side Tables

Desk

I don't know when it happened but at some point I developed a strong love for anything industrial. 

Which prompted me to build this [with help from my best friend who happens to be an engineer] this past fall.

 Using two sources of inspiration [ one || two ] we ventured to Home Depot and made it happen. 

I am obsessed with how it turned out and love the fact that you can adjust the lay out by adding or removing a pipe or two. 

That and it's pretty awesome to have a few of my favorite pieces on display!

Ever since tackling that DIY I've been on the hunt for more that will allow me to add a few other industrial pieces to my bedroom.

I'm loving these three pieces I found on Martha Stewart and the side tables would make the perfect bedside tables.

Here's a few things I discovered while building my clothing rack that you might find useful:

1. piping can be expensive - I honestly had no idea - a little research + planning can be very helpful

2. copper piping will especially do damage to your bank account 

3. if you need to cut your pipe instead of getting a pipe cutter ask an employee!

[when making my rack we cut down a 10 ft piece to 3 equal sized smaller pieces]
4. piping can be 'greasy' make sure to grab a bottle of degreaser to wipe down the fixture before using
[I used this, which can also be used to remove grease stains from clothing!]


I'd love to get your thoughts!
Are you a fan of the industrial look or is it one you could do with out?

I'm Learning

How To Use My Canon T3i

 Last week I mentioned here that I had gotten myself a new camera as a "happy birthday to me" gift.

It is a purchase I had been wanting to make for quite some time but just never allowed myself to go for it.

After doing a little research and asking a few other bloggers what camera they use+love I finally made my decision:

 Canon EOS Rebel T3i 

Besides being a total amateur and having lots to still figure out, I'm in love. Best. Purchase. EVER.

Post college I decided to deactivate my Facebook account [say what?!] which is the main reason I started Eclectic Snapshots.

It was a way for friends and family to see what was going on in my life.

Overtime there has been fewer and fewer posts of 'my life' and I've decided that with a new year it's time to get back to the basics.

So here is what I hope to be the first of many posts that will give you a peek into my life. A Girl Behind the Blog post, if you will.
To get started I wanted to share a few of my favorite moments captured over the holidays:

Friends Christmas Party

this year's theme: Snow Pants or No Pants

Jason & Megan, Christmas Vacation anyone?

Ian, said he was going for the "distinguished gentleman" look

Brandon & Eric [+ Brandon's mohawk, a total surprise to the evening]

Jeff & Puck, the best of friends

 Favorite Holiday Moments

family Christmas details

the centerpiece I made for at my house

mom+dad's house: mom's childhood sled, a Flexible Flyer

Norman Rockwell, a Christmas staple

making Christmas cookies with Grandma, 90 years young!
**taken by my mom**

the Santa's hat that my oldest brother Cory wear's every year

a few of the presents I wrapped

I've signed up for a three hour class a friend referred me to which will hopefully teach me a thing or two.
Until then you'll have to overlook any photos that make you say 'what was she doing?!' or 'oh, my, that's just terrible!'.

And if any of you with a dslr camera know of any great tips, classes, or books I'd love any and all advise!

Until tomorrow!
xo