Interiors: Liv Lamp

Do you see that lamp?  It's the Liv lamp by Swedish designer Jonas Bohlin. I think in the wrong space, that lamp would simply look WRONG (to put it plainly), but the ethereal design of the pendant adds something interesting to these spaces. It's not a design I would generally give a second thought about (something about tulle as a lighting structure seems flimsy and very flammable) but now that I've seen it in these spaces, I kind of like it.  What do you think?

images: 1) Anna Kern 2) skona hem (via ish & chi)

Modern Decor: gselect

If you're looking for modern decor for your home or office, gselect is the store for you.  Featuring price points all over the board, there's a little something for everyone.  I have my eye on the Budget Cuts Piggy bank which might be a good motivator to save that pocket change.  If you're looking to spend a little more money, the modern terrariums are pretty fantastic as well.

Honeycomb Light by Kyouei Design $99; Domsai Terrarium D by Matteo Cibi $140; Budget Cuts Piggy Bank $25;

Roedear Natural $102

Giveaway: Oscar Boudoir Lamp

Happy Friday! This has been an extremely busy week, and I can't wait to tell you about a little side project I've started...
For now though, let's chat about this weekend's giveaway from CSN Lighting. If you haven't been to the mecca of lighting stores, you're missing out because this place has a plethora of options from traditional, to modern, to eclectic and everything in between. The first time I visited the site, I got lost in all of the options and many at deeply discounted prices. From type of lamp, to type of function (i.e. ceiling lights, table lamps, track lighting) chances are you're going to find something you love (and can afford!) here.

When CSN Lighting contacted me, they asked me to choose a product that I thought my readers would like. Well, as any astute blog writer knows, I can only choose what I like and hope that you all agree with me. Eeek! (It's a tricky business, but someone's got to do it, wink, wink.)
The winner of this weekend's giveaway will be taking home the Oscar Boudoir Lamp!
This lamp, in it's various forms, has been making it's rounds in blog design land, and for good reason.
You can choose between the base color of carrot, grass, or olive and between the "white linen" shade or the "natural linen." Perhaps you'll even want to try your hand at little lampshade DIY love?
The list price for this lamp is $87, but CSN sells it for $66.70 (nice deal!)
Dimensions are 18"H x9"W and it's listed as one of CSN's "Eco Friendly" products.
For one of you lucky readers, it's free!
How to enter? 3 entries total.

1) Leave me a comment telling me where you'd put this lamp if you won (home/office/bathroom etc).

2) If you're a follower/member/whatever of Down and Out Chic, you're extra special and you get to enter a second comment. (Make sure to enter a separate comment or it doesn't count!)

3) Post a link to your blog, Twitter, or Facebook and enter a third comment telling me so!
**Disclaimer: This giveway is only open to Canadian and U.S. residents...I do, however, adore my international readers and I don't want you to forget that (you know who you are).
I hope you have a great weekend! Be sure to check back as I'll be doing some weekend posts.
Have I told you how much you all make me smile?!
~Christina
...hold the phone, who changed the widget from "members" back to "followers"? Do I need to start a friggin petition? Widget people, if you hear me CHANGE IT BACK!!!
**The giveaway is now closed for entries. Winner was chosen 8/11/09. Thank you!

Pendant-ic

Look at this crazy cheap pendant and fun lamp from World Market:

Coffee 8" Capiz Hanging Pendant Lantern $19.99
Chiara Table Lamp $55.99 (on sale)
source: World Market
I'd use the pendant over my kitchen table and the lamp...well, anywhere!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

I started this blog in hopes of organizing my scattered thoughts and narrowing down the items I want to spend money on. The goal is that by searching things out, I'll spend less money on purchases I really don't like. So far, I've done really well at not buying anything for the house b/c I think I'm paralyzed by all the things I've found that I like. Here are a few more random items that I think would really add a bit of character to the new space:

Mustache Key Holder $40

Source: The Curiosity Shop

Hookmaker $30

Source: The Curiosity Shop

B and I scoured Target the other day and did not run across these items. We surely would have noted an origami chair:

Blue Dot Real Good Chair $90



Gama-Go Bird Throw Pillow $17.49source: Target.com

Wood Lamp $18.99!

source: Delia's

Chirp Pillow $29.95
source: CB2

Brimfield Birdie Lamp Base $42
Source: UO

A little bit of inspiration for the space I want- something comfortable that even the dogs can appreciate.

source: Apartment Therapy

When worlds collide

So, as I mentioned before, B and I are moving to a new house the beginning of March. I really hate moving. In fact, I once read in a psychology class that moving is the second most stressful thing in life right under losing a child. Moving may suck, but even I recognize it's not THAT bad. The study does get the point across that people, in general, do not like to uproot and start again. If you're anything like me, the thought of packing and carrying and unpacking is enough to give me a migraine (and I'm actually quite sick w/a cold so it's a possibility I'll get one anyways). The good thing is we're not moving far away, only a couple streets down as a matter of fact. Athens is a small town so there's no need for a moving van plus my biceps will thank me later. I think part of why I don't like moving is the complete and utter feeling of disorganization that comes when you can't find your stinking toothbrush or a fresh pair of underwear. I don't like boxes around and it makes me extremely happy when I can find something I'm looking for, so in other words, moving is simply not for me. But, alas, it is time to inhabit a new place as we have clearly worn out our welcome here. (Thank you neighbors that have giant keg parties and live bands all hours of the night).

I am looking forward to decorating the new place but I'm hesitant. I'm hesitant b/c moving takes money, period. And I'm not the type of person to take things slowly. I want things to be in their place quickly and I want a home to feel like a home, not a makeshift storage area. So, I've really had to temper myself, financially and stylistically. The other part of the scenario in this is having a boyfriend/roomate that doesn't see eye to eye w/me on all my "great finds." I've told B that I'm only going to buy things for the house that we BOTH love, which I'm coming to find out is a bit more arduous of a process that I originally thought. Well I was so confident with this find that I didn't bother checking w/B before buying b/c I just knew he would love it (I need to stop making assumptions).
It's a vintage door knocker from etsy:

Artsy Dove $9.99

I love the worn look of this piece and we could use it as a door knocker or in the bathroom as a towel holder. Either way I found it pretty promising. When I showed it to B, he didn't really respond. After some prying, he admitted that he didn't like it because it's pink. "Is that all?" I asked, much to my horror. He stated that we could repaint it and I told him if he wants to repaint it, that's all him b/c I like the pale pink. For some reason I assumed a pink lion wouldn't be as bad as say a pink coverlet. But no, pink is pink and for B, pink is bad. Needless to say, I'm having to practice some patience on finding things we'll both be happy with. Lucky for me, he did like the yellow vintage lamp I picked out, also from etsy:

My Southern Lace $15.00

I figure w/a gray lampshade, this piece will fit in perfectly. I was surprised, nonetheless, to hear him say he liked it b/c I thought it would be too feminine, but apparently pale yellow isn't a girly color after all.
I'm kind of in love w/Etsy so I'll be referring to it A LOT.
We both also love this Robin's blue vintage chandelier:

My Finch's Studio $67

First of all, this chandelier would look fabulous is our new pale yellow kitchen and the seller is an Athens native so we wouldn't have to pay shipping and it would be 10% off. It's too bad blue chandeliers aren't in my budget this month. I'm crossing my fingers for a lighting fixture miracle.
One of the things we are going to try to incorporate in this house that we lack in our current house is framed artwork. I want the walls to be covered in images that will add character and life to the rooms. We've agreed on these prints below b/c the colors are wonderful and the images are funny and appealing:

berkleyillustration $15 for 8x10 print

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I want a completely feminine apartment w/no input from B. B has really good taste and definitely has his own opinions about what looks good. For us, it's about compromise and about narrowing down what we think will make the biggest impression on the space with the least amount of financial damage.