diy: Thumbtack Fall Decor

Ummm...this is so major. So, so major. Can we talk about creative here, folks? Would you ever think to multipurpose your thumbtacks to adorn a wreath? We wouldn't. As you all know, we love and adore any nailhead and this is no exception to the rule. Go visit Shannon over at Madigan Made for the step by step tutorial. This looks like a simple one! All you need are thumbtacks, a styrofoam wreath and ribbon. Go crazy! We need to make this. Immediately. So do you!


Haven't you always thought, "I would love to have pumpkins covered in thumbtacks!" You and me both sister. Tada!

This girl is on fire. Serious. What glammy pumpkins. This is fall decor that we can get down with. See how Shannon tacked these pumpkins here.


More on the thumbtacking pumpkins front...this pumpkin is to die! Obviously using the same principles here, only this time we are using a white pumpkin! Darling. 

{oops I craft my pants}

Monday Musings: Fretwork

Happy Monday loves! We hope a fabulous weekend was had by all! We are exhausted, obvi, and could have used another day to catch up on sleep. Again, obvi. Today we are musing over fretwork. For those of you unaware of what fretwork is, it is an interlaced, decorative, geometric design. Fretwork contains a certain Asian aesthetic and we totally adore! In our round of examples this morning we have included one million fretwork Chippendale chairs. Why, you ask? Because we can and we love. Also up today, some other unconventional examples such as mirrors, doors and wallpaper. Fab. ulous. 

This dining room screams elegance. The detailed ceiling and and wall trimmings are to die for. It is such a simple and classic space, but it packs so much style. We are loving the chandelier as well as our fretwork Chippendale chairs. Adds a thoughtful yet understated design. 

{houzz}

More chairs! We love this industrial, romantic, glammy kitchen. Such a great marriage of styles shown here. Not to mention the Asian flare with the fretwork. I die. Adoring the white wing back chairs flanking the table, as well. 

{harmony and home}

Jonathan Adler elements at play here, what is not to love? Lime green fretwork accompanied by mid-century modern. Totally chic. The lime adds the perfect pop of color in this otherwise neutral space. 

{lily z design}

Gorgeous tablescape from the newest Adore Magazine - New York Edition. We love the romantic feel here with the pinks and the florals. The fretwork chairs bring interesting geometric lines to the space and also that Eastern flair. 

{adore home}

Ok. We love red. Adore. We are literally dying over this kitchen/dining area. Super traditional meets P.F. Changs. We kid. Absolutely dying over the pagoda chandelier, and again, those fretwork seats. The red is so strikingly beautiful in this white classic space. Gorg. eous. 

{caitlin creer}

Onto those fretwork accessories we have been speaking of. We told you fretwork exists in other forms than just four legs where you seat yourself. Look at this FABULOUS fretwork mirror styled directly over this fabulous bar. So much gorg in this space. Where to begin? 

{megan young designs}

Fretwork mirrored closet doors? Insane. This space clearly has an ethnic theme about it but is also quite romantic. We are loving the use of colors in the room and we are certainly loving those one of a kind fretwork closet doors. The look so elegant and so custom. 

Fretwork all up on your walls. Thats right. Fretwork wallpaper in a powder room? Luxe. Who is also dying over that sink? I am not sure what it was purposed from, maybe a desk in another life? We are not sure, but we adore its new life. 

{elle decor}

Another highly styled fretwork wall in a bathroom. This is the perfect design and zsush for a small space.  It adds the perfect amount of color and interest that takes the place of art in this bathroom. Who can forget that Dorothy Draper chest? Not I. 

{decor pad}

Lovely readers. Do not forget to enter in the Lily On Blue giveaway which ends tonight. You could win big. $75 to her shop to spend however you like?!? This is way better than allowance as a kid. Way. Good luck!

Lily on Blue Giveaway Reminder!

Don't forget to enter our incredible Lily on Blue giveaway! One lucky reader will win $75.00 to spend on pillows of choice in Lily on Blue's shop! What would you choose if you won? We are loving everything in her store, but especially these!

So, what'cha waiting for?? Enter. Now. 

To enter:

You must be a follower of S+S {if you already are, thanks! If not, just click the little follow button over near the top right column} Visit Lily on Blue and come back HERE to comment and let us know what you would do with the $75.00 if you won! 

For additional entries you can:

• Like Lily on Blue on Facebook
• Like Sadie + Stella on Facebook
• Follow Sadie + Stella on Twitter
• Tell your Facebook friends about the giveaway and link to this post
• Blog about the giveaway and link back to this post 
• You can also tweet about the giveaway, mentioning @sadieandstella and link to this post in your tweet!

 *Be sure to leave a comment each time you do one of the above! 

This giveaway ends Monday, October 12th at midnight.

S+S chow: chicken enchilada soup

Since we are in Fall mode, we are totally craving warm soups. Chicken Enchilada Soup. What is not to love? We love chicken enchiladas and we love soup. What a pair. This soup is beyond amazing. This has definitely made it on to our regular go to rotation for meals. 

Chicken Enchilada Soup {via homemade by Holman}
3 cups chicken stock
2 skinless, chicken breasts
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ancho chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
4-6 jalapeno peppers, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup tomato paste
8 oz cotija cheese, crumbled
8 oz pepperjack cheese, divided
1 cup cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips

In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add chicken stock and heat over medium heat. Add chicken breasts, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer about 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. Add tomatoes, jalapenos, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the pot. Simmer about 30 minutes, covered until tomatoes have begun to break down. Add black beans, corn, and tomato paste and stir to incorporate. Add cotija cheese and half of the pepperjack cheese and stir to melt. Return chicken to soup and cook about 20 more minutes until desired consistency. 

Add cilantro, reserving some to top individual bowls. Ladle into serving bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips, reserved pepperjack cheese and cilantro.

S+S Featured: SavorNC Magazine

Come and check out our newest contribution to SavorNC's blog! We are totally getting you loves geared up for Fall. Here is a sneak peek. 

Favorite Room Feature: KFD Designs

Today we are sharing the favorite space of probably the most talented DIY girl around. Kristen from KFD Designs, is a professional artist/painter. She comes up with the most amazingly creative spaces and has the most fabulous furniture refinishing. Girl has got major talent. We have never seen someone with such an ability to transform a space so often and so drastically. We know you will love her most recent updates of her bedroom. 

Hi guys! I'm Kristen from over at KFD Designs. My favorite room in my house (right now, at least!) is my bedroom. I recently redid it, and I'm finding it so soothing and comfy to hang out in.

I painted the walls this light blue-green color from Valspar (don't know the name, sorry!), and am using a bedspread and Euro shames from Pottery Barn. The side tables are from Target, and the orange lamps are from a thrift store. I spraypainted them and topped them with some shades from Lowe's. I also finished them off with these DIY lucite lamp finials I made!

I also made my headboard, and I found that cute little vintage star-shaped convex mirror (hanging above the bed) on a recent trip to visit my brother in Washington, DC.

The two "snow leopard" print pillows were an Etsy find, and I love the bit of pattern that they bring into my bedroom. I also did the graphic diptychs that hang to the left of the bed:

I hope you all enjoyed taking a little tour of my bedroom! It's still in progress, but it's mostly done, and I'm loving it.

Design Crush: Tobi Fairley

We love our girl Tobi, yes we do. Girl uses the color wheel in her designs like there is no tomorrow. She has always been a major inspiration to us, as all of her designs seem to be completely unique in their own way. We love that her designs always include a touch of glam, no matter where or what the space may be. Let's take a look at some of our faves.

As you all know, we cannot even stand how much we love a gallery wall grouping. Especially when it includes seashells and chrome frames. Yes. Major greek trimmed black couch and an agate larger than both of our heads put together. 

We love the antique stone bust in this bathroom. So unexpected! Tobi is always surprising us. This is such a quaint little bathroom and we love the look of it because we feel it is extremely achievable. What we have also noticed is that Tobi might love red as much as we do. Her designs add a pop here and there. Love. 

What an elegant dining room. We totally see this space in a Palm Beach or a Palm Springs. Somewhere Palm-y. The mint green damask walls accompanied with the mint green ceiling to floor drapery are major winners in our book. Winning. This is a subtle S+S look including our go to color in a more muted way. The coral dining room chairs are so lovely and w would be more than willing to find a home for them in one of our abodes. That chandelier is truly one of a kind. One of a kind. 

Geniuses pick green, ya know? Well Tobi is a design genius, so it is only fitting. We love the neutral base that this room has. The walls, furniture, floor and then bam! Bam with the kelly green accents and accessories. Those kelly green geometric wingbacks are beyond amazing. 

Beautifully understated kitchen. Just they way we love it. The creamy grey/mint green cabinetry is so unique, yet so subtle. The thick crown molding and beams absolutely frame and highlight the space and bring so much dimension to a monochromatic kitchen. The light fixtures are beyond for us. Stainless steel is a major hit here. 

Holy striped ceiling. Tobi makes a huge impact in all of her designs and this room is no exception to that rule. This pendant emulates all of the beaded chandeliers we have been seeing around lately. We love the  size of this one though. One tier and also multi colored. The accent pieces in this room definitely steal the show. Is anyone seeing the stacked mineral bedside lamps? O.M.G. 

Girl can design a living/sitting room. That is for certain. We are not usually down with abstract art, but we will let this one slide. It adds so much color and oomph to this classically designed room. The plush velvet scattered throughout the design is so major. We may or may not need to steal that tufted couch. Just sayin. 

Our beloved blackcented walls. These babies are poppin up all over the place. Tobi took it to the next level here. She outlined her walls with a white trim which gives them a completely custom look. Loving the custom valances and matching ceiling to floor drapery. Drama. 

Hello light fixture. This image has been one of our favorites for a LOOONNNNGG time. We love it long time. This pagoda lantern is absolutely insane. Obviously it is flanked by matching lantern sconces. Who knew entryways could be so funky and fun? Tobi did. We are obsessed with the white and red trimmed table and the fab four patterned ottomans. Obsessed. This space is a great example of how painting a ceiling can really add dimension in a room. I know a lot of us are sometimes afraid of adding a  different color to the ceiling, but it really does draw the eye up and not in a bad way. It definitely gives the illusion of the ceilings being higher than they actually are. 

Red room. Red room. Kind of like red rum but not exactly. Tobi wins again with this semi pagoda lantern in this space. Girl knows her lighting like woah. In this design she uses luxe, thick crown molding, and again a darker shade to trim the red walls. Love. Ly. 

Tobi Fairley

Lily On Blue Giveaway!

Surprise, surprise. Have we got a surprise for you lovelies. How many of you out there are looking for the perfect throw pillow to compliment a mundane space? Ummm solution. Solution to your common problem. What might you ask? Lily On Blue might we answer. If you all have not checked into this beautiful home accessory store, we are going to go ahead and suggest that you do so. Immediately. Just look at what you are missing. 

So what is being given away? Well. One lucky reader will win $75 to spend as they should choose in Lily On Blue's Etsy shop. We are constantly green with envy of you readers. She has the most fabulously stylish pillows, not to mention the quality. Sadie's mom has ordered 3 already and couldn't be more happy!! Here is how you can win...

To enter:

You must be a follower of S+S {if you already are, thanks! If not, just click the little follow button over near the top right column} Visit Lily on Blue and come back here to comment and let us know what you would do with the $75.00 if you won! 

For additional entries you can:

• Like Lily on Blue on Facebook
• Like Sadie + Stella on Facebook
• Follow Sadie + Stella on Twitter
• Tell your Facebook friends about the giveaway and link to this post
• Blog about the giveaway and link back to this post 
• You can also tweet about the giveaway, mentioning @sadieandstella and link to this post in your tweet!

 *Be sure to leave a comment each time you do one of the above! 

This giveaway ends Monday, October 12th at midnight.

monday musings: falling for fall

We have fallen hard, very hard for Fall. This is an intense obsession/love affair that can only last for about three months out of the year. When the time comes for us to part ways, we know we will see each other again. Although, it is like a bad break up. We are in lust with everything that Fall brings: the slight chill in the air, nature, rustic tones and rich colors to name a few. It is amazing the major style this season can bring with using somewhat understated colors and elements. 

Today we are sharing images with you that scream fall. The interesting bit is that basically all of these designs use browns, rusts and greys only. Just using textiles with major texture and pattern you can bring thoughtful style with seemingly little effort. You will see. Let's introduce you to our  part time boyfriend, Fall. 

Bananas. Seriously. Textured stone wall. Ceiling high stacked wood. Tufted leather sofa. Louis Vuitton chest as a coffee table. Persian rug. Folks, we cannot even describe why we love each element. We can barely talk. Amaze. 

{apricots and apples}

Love this fall inspired bedroom. The fur pillows and the rust colored duvet really bring a sense of Autumn to the bedroom. Whether it was intentional or not, we adore. We are totally into sketch are lately as well so this painting definitely does the trick for us. 

{lonny}

Ummm. Yes. Restoration Hardware, you have done it again and again. This wall color is insane. The creamiest grey you ever did see. We are totally feeling the worn, tufted leather sofas this season. It brings a major old world feel to a space. It makes it feel wise and knowledgeable. We were stalling to get to the light fixtures. We cannot contain the excitement any longer. Get out. Love, love, love! Science and art. All in one. 

{restoration hardware}

Reclaimed wood ceiling? Check. Blackcented walls? Check. Major bookcase? Check. Pops of orange? Check. This room has got it all. Not to mention the black cowhide ottoman/coffee table. Although some could find this space dark, we love perfect use of lighting in the living room. Dreamy. Creamy. 

{elle decor}

Although not an overwhelming fall image, this little bit says fall to us. Maybe it is the brown striped settee. Maybe it is the varying shades of brown rain boots. Or maybe it is the rust throw. We don't know what it is, but it is. The heart wants, what the heart wants. 

Pottery Barn knows Fall better than anyone. What is not to love here about the mercury glass pumpkins, accompanied with hay and antique trays serving as wall art? See? Autumn does not have to be about loud orange and black Halloween decorations. This image serves as proof to that statement. Absolutely understated Fall.  

{pottery barn}

This is a fabulous example of an everyday space totally transformed for the Fall season. By adding plaid drapes and throws, this space is immediately ready for fall. We also adore the use of the rusty rustic florals on the mantle. That tufted accent chair is adorbs as well. Obvi. 

{sweet something design}

Legit deer head, stone wall, reclaimed wood ceiling, wall of wood, cowhide rug. Fall, Fall, Fall. This could be an amazing space for a cabin as well. Is anyone noticing the amazing knobbed accent chairs? O. M. G. We just want to cuddle up in this space. Immediately. If not sooner. 

{house beautiful}

Another prime example of a fabulous everyday space being gussied up for Fall. Not to mention this room has got the creamy, dreamy color vibe going on. Gorg. 

{dear lillie}

Not necessarily a Fall space, but it is today. The wall color is killing it here. Hermes orange on the wall? Holy. We are totally feeling nature prints lately as well. Butterflies, florals, you name it. We have to mention the major contrast black trim here folks. Blackcents at its best. Love. 

Gorgeous hallway all Falled up leading to an even more Falled up porch. In case you are wondering, Falled is a word. It is. 

{pinterest}

Big surprise in store for you lovelies today. Be sure to check back later. Also, we have been named as regular blogging contributors to one of our favorite magazines, Savor NC. We start tomorrow! We feel like the prettiest girls at the dance. (Quote from Arrested Development for those of you unaware.) For those of you who know and love Arrested Development, they have decided to reunite for another season. BIG. NEWS. BIG.