Spring Lake

Have you ever been to Spring Lake, New Jersey? After a recent trip there, I just had to share some photos. That town has the most beautiful homes and landscaping. It's a beach town but a lake town, too, with a large lake centered in the middle of town. 

You like porches, awnings and interesting architectural nooks? Then this town is for you.

Even their lake and bridges are beautiful.

Walking around and looking at all of the houses and gardens is so inspirational. (The gardens are so pretty – rumor has it that when a house in Spring Lake is for sale, you buy both the house and the landscaping company that has been working on the house for years!) I've been going to Spring Lake for nearly 10 years now and every time I go I try to find my favorite house. It's so difficult to choose! I'm still deciding. I guess I'll have to make another trip there this summer to finalize my pick!

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photos by The Pink Chalkboard

Decorating with Flash Cards

Inspired by Sarah Richardson and her framed flash cards, I thought I would give this a try for my gallery wall. 

A couple of years ago, I picked up these vintage alphabet flash cards from Clover Market. They are so tiny and cute! Perfect for writing little messages. 

I have a bunch of empty frames without glass that I have collected over the years, too. So I picked one out, painted it white, and lined the back with handmade paper from Pearl River. I simply used double stick tape to adhere the flashcards to the paper, and then spelled out my happy little message.

It's a very different look from Sarah's, but I am thrilled with the way it turned out. I love that I can switch out the message anytime, too.

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images by The Pink Chalkboard

Inspired by...Dressing a Headboard

There are so many options of pretty headboards out there these days. I've written before about some favorite headboard ideas but lately the idea of a headboard that can easily be changed whenever the mood strikes really interests me.

The simplest way to do that? Take a rectangular headboard like this

and lay a large scarf or thin blanket on top of it. This scarf display at J.Crew made me think of it.

How would I put it together?

I'd place the navy/pink scarf over a headboard and add a pink polka dot sheet set with a white duvet on top. Throw pillows in a navy/white pattern and a bright pink bolster in front.

Maybe I still have the 4th of July on the brain, but wouldn't a red, white and blue bed be kind of cute and summery? Using this scarf, I would add blue and white patterned sheets with a white duvet and fold a red blanket at the foot of the bed.

And then there is this mint green and navy stripe scarf. Definitely more subtle than the other scarves but still a great way to jump on the mint green color trend that seems to be everywhere this summer. I would do white sheets with this one and a navy duvet and then accent it all with lots of patterned mint green and white pillows.

So many scarves. So many possibilities!

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West Elm headboard
Scarves by J.Crew

Pretty Popsicle Sticks

Jillian's ice pop garland post put popsicles in my mind, and maybe that's why I love this piece so much.

This playful artwork by Angela Taguiang feels just like summer to me...so bright and cheerful.

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Popsicle Impressions I by Angela Taguiang via Society6

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you a very happy and sparkly 4th of July from where it all began—Independence Hall in our beloved Philadelphia. 

Have a great holiday weekend and see you back here on Monday!

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image via The Pink Chalkboard

FEED USA at Target

Target has done it again! They are collaborating with FEED USA to develop a line of products that are both socially conscious and great looking. My friend Lisa came into work on Monday with pictures of this pillow that she picked up at Target over the weekend. 

Isn't it adorable? Of course, I had to take a trip to Target last night to see everything for myself. 

The FEED line is pure design-goodness and encapsulates a little bit of everything—from pillows and throw blankets, to dishes and water bottles, lovely little notebooks, storage bins, t-shirts, cute tote bags—and so much more! Plus, every purchase is a donation to help fight hunger. Irresistible.

Here is a little bit of what I found...

You can shop the entire collection here. And those pillows that I love?

They were already sold out at my local store, but are still available online (at least for now!).

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images via The Pink Chalkboard

bottom image via Target

Brookly Flea Philly (June 30th)

I went to the Brooklyn Flea Philly again on Sunday and had a great time! It was hot, steamy, (and a little rainy at times) but that didn't deter a great selection of vendors from displaying an amazing collection of hand-made, repurposed, and vintage items. Here are just some of the things that caught my eye.

What did I buy? This little pennant from Eastern Standard Co.

and a collection of these neighborhood coasters from Moontree Letterpress.

I think these will make nice additions to my gallery wall.

If you haven't had a chance to go to Brooklyn Flea Philly, what are you waiting for? It's fantastic! Find details and information, here.

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all images by The Pink Chalkboard