August 24, 2017

Roundup: My favorite Industrial Lighting Shops on Etsy

One of my favorite things to do as a home renovator and interior designer is to select the lighting. I always tell my clients “Lighting is the Jewelry to your Home” because, well, it is! Lighting sets the tone and mood for each living space from the front walkway to the moment you step through the front door. It should always be done in layers, just like peeling an onion, and when you’re finished it should be simply spectacular! It’s an opportunity for you to tie the design of each living space in your home together and reflect your personality at the same time.

Can you tell I am passionate about lighting? Yep! Just a little. I also love to support small businesses and to search for unique, one-of-a-kind lighting from local artisans. What better place to look than on Etsy! I like to refer to my design style as industrial chic and you can find some real industrial gems on Etsy. Here are some of my favorite shops to help you illuminate your home in chic style.

1.     Born Again Creative

Based in Spokanne, Washington these artisans uses reclaimed wood, jars, black, nickel, and antique cages with bare bulbs and more. Click here to shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Bornagaincreative?ref=shop_sugg

2.     Union Hill Trade Co.

This company aims to create a collection of unique housewares and lighting that doubles as minimalistic art that can help you enhance your room. Click here to shop some of their wonderful fixtures: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnionHillTradeCO?ref=search_shop_redirect

3.     Industrial Lightworks

I love this company’s unique lighting & accessories based out of Huntington Beach, California. They are also a UL Listed Company so you know you’re safe. Click here to shop their fabulous fixtures: https://www.etsy.com/shop/IndustrialLightworks?ref=listing-shop2-all-items-count#items

4.     Lucent Lampworks

At Lucent Lampworks, you’ll find a large selection of high quality pendant, wall sconce, and drum shade industrial lighting in a variety of custom finishes. Click here to shop now: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lucentlampworks?ref=listing-shop2-all-items-count#items

5.     New Wine Old Bottles

This innovative lighting company known on the web as pearedcreation.com began in Chillicothe, Ohio with a 19th century refuse dump and a brewery bottle. The unique bottle sparked a newfound interest for its founder as he sought to understand the beauty and history of each bottle. He began to make lamps out of them with historical tags that described their journey. This liberal arts approach to lamp making makes it one of my personal faves. To shop this historical lighting and learn its story click here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/newwineoldbottles?ref=condensed_trust_header_icon_items

Do you have any favorite shops that you’d be willing to share? I would LOVE to add them to my shopping list!

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
October 15, 2016

Margaritaville Luau Tablescape Challenge

I was recently asked to design a luau themed tablescape by Jimmy Buffets amazing company Margaitaville. They challenged me to come up with some creative budget friendly ideas to decorate my table and I thought I would share it with you. With spring in the air and summer just around the corner it’s time to think about entertaining for your next party. Here is a simple DIY idea that I came up with to dress up your charger plate. It’s inexpensive and so simple to make anyone can do it! The best part is that you can adapt it to any party theme and wow your party guests at the same time. I would love to see your own creations and to hear your thoughts on this super cute DIY tablescape idea.

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 5, 2016

DIY on the FLY Box of Roses

DIY Box of Roses

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO TUTORIAL

In honor of the month of February, Valentine’s Day and the celebration of Love especially for the love of beautiful roses; I thought I would share with you my latest video and a DIY on the FLY box of roses craft project.  This is so easy anyone can make it and the real beauty is that you can make this any time of the year for yourself, as a gift or as a centerpiece for any holiday, event or life celebration.  Be sure to check out my YouTube channel and my new web series DIY on the FLY at www.youtube.com/c/juleeireland and please like, share and subscribe. Each week I post new DIY on the FLY video craft project tutorials for your home and lifestyle. They’re always chic, easy, super fun and budget friendly to make!

Here’s how you make a gorgeous box of roses…

Supplies: box, plastic liner, disposable plastic container that will fit into your box or Saran wrap to line your box, wet floral foam, floral tape (optional), spray paint or wrapping paper to decorate your box (optional), ribbon (optional), scissors, blue painters masking tape for stripes (optional), flowers (various varieties of roses and peonies work beautifully).
Step One: Use your masking tape to mask off a design for your box. Such as: Stripes. (this is optional) Next, use your spray paint to paint your box in your desired color. Option Two: Use decorative wrapping paper, old sheet music or photos to wrap or create a collage with ModPodge on the exterior of your box.
Step Two: Line your box with your plastic liner, container or plastic wrap.
Step Three: Cut your wet floral foam to fit inside your box. When your floral foam is cut to fit; saturate it well with water and put it into your box. Optional: Use your floral tape to create a 1” grid on top of the box as a guide to insert your roses into the center of each square.
Step Four: Cut your roses at a 45 degree angle so that they are the correct height to fit just over the top of your box. Insert your cut roses into your wet floral foam or into the open areas on your tape grid.
Step Five: Add a Ribbon band, bow or handwritten message of Love and Voila! You’ve just created a lovely box of Roses!

Lastly, be sure to email me photos of your own creative box of roses so that I can post them on both of my blogs. I would love to brag about you! Email your photos to: juleeireland@gmail.com for consideration.

Love_Heart_Valentines_Day_Julee_Ireland_Television

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 15, 2016

Clear Your Clutter, Create New Success in 2016

Clutter_Organization_Julee_Ireland_2016_Home_New_YearClutter hinders your psyche more than you know both at work and at home. When physical items invade your space that are not needed or that are unorganized it affects you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It’s like an invisible force that causes stress, has a negative effect on relationships and your health and it can hinder your ability to act and think clearly blocking success in all areas of your life. With each passing year you continue to grow and change. While change is good holding onto things that no longer reflect who you have become is not a good thing because it creates negative energy. Let’s start the New Year off by clearing out the clutter and opening up your heart, home and workplace to create success! Here are some simple tips to help guide you.

Step One: Take time to walk through the different spaces in your home and office and sit for a while. Look around the space and write down the items in each room that make you feel discomfort, that clearly no longer reflect you and that you feel you can do without. If you give yourself time to sit, think and explore each space you will be surprised at what you discover on your own.

Step Two: Now that you have explored and taken notes throughout your home and office it’s time to prioritize! Make a list of the areas you wish to declutter first. Pick the space in your home or office that makes you feel the most unsettled and that’s the most disorganized.

Step Three: Before you start with your first space be realistic about setting a time frame to complete the task and start small! Begin with a drawer, cabinet or counter and create three piles. One, to give away, two, to throw away and three, items to keep.

Step Four: Remove pile one and two from your room and begin placing your third pile back into your space in an organized fashion. Don’t just toss or put things back into your cabinet or drawer because all you would be doing is creating smaller clutter. It’s important to reintroduce your items into your room in an orderly, organized manner with thought and intention behind it. And be sure to dust and clean along the way to truly revive your space and your soul at the same time.

Step Five: As you finish eliminating clutter in each area of your home or office take the time to marvel at your success. With your hand over your heart take in some deep breaths through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Ask yourself how do I feel? Do I feel calmer? Do I feel lighter? Do I feel inspired to move on? If your answer is yes to any of these then by all means carry on!

I sincerely hope by clearing out the clutter in your life it helps you to open the door to a renewed home, health, happiness and success in 2016. I would love to see your before and after photos and feature them on my blog. Please feel free to email them to me at juleeireland@gmail.com along with any of your thoughts or comments. Happy New Year!

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
July 28, 2015

A “summer nights dream”

After hours of preparation, excitement and few gallons of hairspray later, the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show was underway at the Tampa Convention Center making it a “summer night’s dream”. Founded in 2004 by business man and entrepreneur Terrance Shaw, VIP has brought nothing but top notch service since day one. And that is exactly what they brought to Tampa Bay. The evening started off with celebrity performers opera singer and ballet aerialist, Jacqueline Valdez & Jason Rex of Infusion Remax. A beautiful duet that reminded me of cirque de Solei meets opera. Jacqueline and Jason are also survivors of cancer and Sjogren disease.

Infusion Remax's Jacqueline Valdez & Jason Rex

Infusion Remax’s Jacqueline Valdez & Jason Rex

After that the designers & models started things off with a bang and a few feathers. The show featured designers Lacie Cupani and Cupani Fashion, David President, MEROCKI, Jacqueline Saldana, Jackie Hutcherson, Nailuj Villarroel, Aleksandra Salo, Jessica Rios All Brides 2 Be & Formalwear & Adreamrocks! We had everything from formal wear, bathing suits, blinged out bathing suits and towels and so much more. Sometimes words cannot express just how amazing these shows are! Some designers and models even flew in from out of town just to participate. At the end of the night awards were given to the best designer & best international model. US Gold & Silver donated rings to the best designs, All Brides to Be by Jessica Rios and Best International Model Abby Marie Santiago. Congratulations ladies!

Male Model showcases David President Attire

Male Model showcases David President Attire

VIP Exclusives was all I hoped it was and more. I am so honored and excited that I got to join this incredible evening, meet some new people and even see a few familiar faces. I cannot wait until next year. In the meantime check out all the awesome designers on their personal websites (listed below) and VIP Exclusives itself at www.vip-exclusives.org

Model showcases design at the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

Model showcases design at the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

Also, don’t forget to check out my other blog “It all started in Tampa” for more photos of the event featuring models in the designs showcased.

All Brides 2 Be LLCwww.allbrides2be.com
Adreamrockswww.adreamrocks.com
Cupani Fashionshttp://www.cupanifashion.com/
David President Attirehttp://www.dpresidentattire.com/
MEROCKIhttp://www.merocki.com/
Jacqueline Saldenahttp://www.elegantstylesbyjacka.com/
Jacqueline Hutchersonhttp://www.onlyjackiestantrue.com/
Nailuj Villarroelwww.NailujVillarroelDesigns.com

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
July 22, 2015

Coming in for a “Soft Landing”

I love doing my nails, I mean all us women love doing or getting our nails done am I right? But the only downfall of doing our nails is the mess we have to endure with all the nail filings, glitter, and spilled nail polish the chaos seems never ending. That is until you find that you can now come in for a “Soft Landing” mani/pedi with Soft Landings Towels. Owned and operated by Kathy Weltman, Soft Landings makes clean up a breeze.

Soft Landings Towels Logo

Soft Landings Towels Logo

I wish I had known about these when I was a little girl. I can remember my mom would always get a little panicked when I painted my nails especially when designs got involved. Not much has changed but also this time with Soft Landings Towels, everything gets trapped within the fibers and can just be scooped up and tossed out. Soft Landings is also very beneficial for the salon professional when doing acrylics, and natural nail mani/pedis. Of course in the salon using the entire towel is the best so that it can cover the entire table top. But when I’m doing my nails at home, I cut the towel into sections big enough for one hand. That way you can have more than one.

Soft Landings Packaging

Soft Landings Packaging

Not only does Soft Landings Towels offer their line of Table Towels, they also have individual squares for removing gel or shellac polish. But that’s not it. Oh NO! A product like this is the true “jack of all trades” when it comes to uses. When in need grab them for your facial room or even for cosmetics. In fact some well known names proudly use the Soft Landings towels such as Essie, Milday Text books, Footlogix and Dazzle Dry… just to name a few.

So if you are tired of the mess, and don’t want to deal with anymore nasty lint bugs, or staining etc. check out www.softlandingstowels.com “Put your hands on these”

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
July 2, 2015

Style Your Home Red, White and Blue Year-round

Jason-Bell-living-roomThe month of July is when we celebrate our country’s independence. Homes across America gather their family and friends for backyard barbeques with a red, white and blue, stars and stripes theme reminiscent of our country’s flag; ending the evening with a bang through a dazzling display of fireworks. I love to decorate with red, white and blue because of its classic, regal historical look and feel. It’s never passé to show your patriotic colors and it’s easier than you think to capture the spirit of Independence Day year around in your home. Here are some simple tips to decorate your home and pay tribute to our red, white and blue flag with style year around.

The family room is the beating heart of every house. It’s where family and friends culminate to spend time together making it the perfect place to display your patriotic home décor. Create a focal point in your room by painting a wall your favorite shade of red and accent with blue and white. Find a stark white paint for your other walls and incorporate a blue or white sofa, chairs and coffee table that compliments your scheme. Let the red stand out on your wall and bring a few accessories into the room in shades of red through books, flowers, and frames or American flags.

All-American-Kitchens-Red-White-Blue-2While the family room is the beating heart, the kitchen is the pulse to your home. If there’s something cooking there will be someone looking, so this really is one of the most important rooms in your house when it comes to design. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen so you need to love its look, layout and function. I adore a red, white and blue kitchen because of its simple, clean appeal. White cabinets are a must! They can make a small kitchen appear larger and make the space feel open. Try using a solid blue countertop, white subway tile backsplash and add red accents to the room through your lighting, countertop appliances, flowers, dinnerware, or window coverings. Think about using a collection of small flags on wooden dowels in a white vase as a patriotic table centerpiece.

Your guest bath is a really fun place to express personality and create a conversation piece for your guests at the same time. So when it comes to the guest bath I love to think outside the box. Make a patriotic statement with blue pattered walls, stark white trim and red-hot accessories. Consider using wallpaper or fabric in a classic toile or pattern colored in red, white and blue. Use a contrasting color from the main color on your walls to paint your trim a bold color of red or blue. Or keep your walls a stark white or hue of blue and add a bold punch of red through your lighting, sink or toilet.

combination-of-various-patterns-and-prints-in-blue-white-and-red-for-a-plush-bedroomWhen it comes to decorating a bedroom it doesn’t have to be all stars and stripes. Try using checker and dot patterns of red, white and blue to bring a charming and whimsical patriotic feel to your space. American country antiques, hooked rugs or classic red, white and blue quilts look stunning and are all timeless depictions of our countries history. Consider repurposing old furniture pieces to make them new again by adding a patriotic touch painting them in rich hues of red or blue. Remember that lighting is the jewelry to your home and this is also an important way to incorporate red, white and blue into your room.

Shelf-CompleteAccessorizing each room in your home is the glue that ties your design together. It’s not something that you can do overnight but it’s important and fun to collect the right pieces a little bit at a time. Here’s one fun idea to think about in your search for household accessories to tie in nicely with a red, white and blue American theme. Collect flags for different eras and display them throughout your home as wall hangings or use them to make pillows or blankets with flag inspired motifs. This is something that the whole family can enjoy collecting together as you shop or travel. Just think you will be creating your own historical American museum in your home that can be passed down for generations to come.

Enjoy celebrating our Country’s Independence Day with your family and friends but most importantly, enjoy capturing the style and spirit of our freedom in your home year-round.

Cheers,

julee_signature

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
April 24, 2015

DIY dinner party with Julee Ireland

Julee on set

Julee on set

Watch the segment here: http://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/sonoran-living/summer-dinner-party-tips-diy-ideas

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
April 11, 2015

Callina Introduces Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Knitwear brand, Callina introduces a timeless spring /summer 2015 collection of ready to wear pieces for the modern woman, while maintaining theirmission to preserve ancient knitting practices and make a positive impact.

Callina‘s spring/summer collection is inspired by nature and artfully mixes elegant yet flirtatious patterns, making items unique yet easy to wear. Like impressionist paintings, the palette is a playful mix of soft and bright hues in fresh pastels mixed with bright pops of melons and vivid blues. New offerings include skirts, tops and sweaters in fine knits to create open lace designs and exquisite textures combining past and present knitting techniques. These modern patterns add to Callina’s sophisticated collection of silky tank tops, lightweight cardigans, and flirty skirts.

Creating exemplary wardrobe staples, Callina uses the finest and rarest hand-combed pima cotton and alpaca fibers combined with skill passed down by generations of expert artisans in Peru. The brand is a mindfully driven, remaining conscious of its carbon footprint, using certified environmentally friendly dyes that are free of hazardous chemicals.

Callina design

Callina design

A portion of every purchase is directly donated to fund The Mirasol Project, a boarding school founded in 2006 in the remote region of Puno, Peru, for the children of alpaca shepherds.

All Callina pieces are irreplaceable in their elegance, and their artisanal craftsmanship gives each unique piece a distinct quality. Highlights of the collection include a modern take on floral patterning through lightweight open lace stitch techniques, sophisticated sporty cardigans with soft geometric patterning, and combinations of unique geometric lace stripes and sheer gauze stitch techniques lending a distinctive soft textural effect.

About Callina

Callina is an artisanal knitwear brand that is handmade in the Peruvian highlands. It provides timeless, contemporary collections made with luxury and sustainably sourced yarns. Callina is grounded in an ethos both social and environmental, donating a portion of proceeds to The Mirasol Project.

For more info check out http://callinastyle.com/

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 25, 2015

All about Glamour with Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes

EVA MENDES ALL ABOUT THE GLAMOUR SPRING 2015 COLLECTION

SPRING 2015—Eva Mendes Spring 2015 collection is “all about the glamour.” The designer’s second Spring collection for retailer combines the energy of modern New York with the allure of old New York.

Eva designs for the everyday women to build their confidence with her classic silhouette and cutout vintage inspired pieces. This collection will allow women to tastefully stand out when they walk into the room. When making an entrance, Eva emphasizes the importance of confidence, and how her collection helps women feel comfortable. Eva’s statement pieces will help women confidently own the boardroom, the party, the dinner. Eva describes the spirit of her Spring 2015 collection as a perfect sync to one of her favorite songs— Classic Girl by Diedre & The Dark—talking about being all dolled up and ready to stun. She loved the design process of picking out fabrics, colors, and embellishments—watching her ideas take shape in physical form.

The Eva Mendes for New York and Company has blouses averaging $50, skirts $60, dresses $80, and accessories $45, Eva’s collections are becoming more about lifestyle and her ability to share her life with her fans and customers, wanting to dress her ladies from head to toe for all of their life occasions!

Eva Mendes dresses

Eva Mendes dresses

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook