Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Birthday Present I Gave Myself

For my last birthday (my birthday's in October) I bought myself a special present.  It was something I had been wanting for quite a while.  I told my hub not to worry about buying me a gift since I had already bought myself something quite nice.  Lucky for me, he still got me a few surprises.

Anywho, long story short, I never showed you what I bought myself because I hadn't really found the right place for it until now.

him & her abstract art

I've been a fan of Him & Her Abstract Art ever since Camila from Effortless Style first announced she was opening an art shop.  I love the story behind the shop- she picks out the color stories and her husband turns them into art.  If you've been following my blog for any length of time it's easy to see why this particular painting spoke to me.  These colors are my jam; this is my color story.

I think when it comes to buying art you should buy what you love - period.  I had no idea where I was going to put this painting.  I just knew it needed to come live with me.

And in the end, it found a home (for now) on my mantel.

our fifth house - abstract art

abstract art mantel

Best birthday gift I ever gave myself.

red and navy living room

And now that I'm looking at these pictures, I feel like I could use some taller candlesticks.  Hmmm......maybe for my next birthday.  ;)   Oh, who am I kidding, like I could wait 'til October!

Do you buy yourself presents too?
Labels: , ,

30 comments:

  1. Great idea! Tomorrow is my birthday, so maybe I'll go shopping today.

    ReplyDelete

  2. Awesome! Love buying myself gifts - never disappointed ;)

    ReplyDelete

  3. Yes- bigger candles. Also, totally love how the horse is wearing a scarf. I've started shopping for myself for my birthday- it's more of how I don't want stuff I won't use. You know how many soap dispensers I've gotten? FOUR. And ya know what? They were plastic from the kids section because my husband liked that they were owls (It was sweet, I love owls...I just don't need a pink and lime green plastic owl soap dispenser...) It makes me feel like the whole thing was a waste of money, so I've started either getting it for myself or leaving an explicit list with pictures, prices and places so he can still surprise me with something off the list.

    ReplyDelete

  4. go get yourself some candlesticks, girl! :) and i love the artwork- i love that it brings the red up to the mantle! :)

    ReplyDelete

  5. Carmel - I totally subscribe to the same way of thinking. If I LOVE it, I get it. It will find it's place. :)

    ReplyDelete

  6. Love that wicker chair! I am looking for 2 to use for our living room/dining room! Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I bought mine at Pier 1 a couple years ago on sale - but I'm pretty sure they still sell them. It's a great chair! I have two of them - the other one is in another corner of the room. You could also maybe check World Market.

      Delete

  7. Yep, my birthday is Saturday and I've been a little wreckless in my thinking this week - like I can buy anything because it's my 40th for crying out loud! ;) Currently, eyeballing a new rug for our family room.

    The painting looks perfect up there!

    ReplyDelete

  9. I love that and your mantel arrangement is beautiful! And yes, I buy myself little gifts here and there too, sometimes I don't even need an occasion! ;) Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete

  10. Don't feel bad, I bought myself an upholstered headboard for Christmas. It was on sale 40% off and I just couldn't say no. Unfortunately for me, whenever I go to art festivals etc and see things I like they are WAY WAY WAAAAAAY out of my price range... boo. ps. I just bought my first tube of rub and buff thanks to you. I see gold cornered frames in my future! - Casey

    ReplyDelete

  11. I'm sitting her shaking my head yes through this whole post...I either buy them myself or give the hubbs a list with links so that he knows *exactly* what I want. Control freak much, Aubrey??? Yes, yes I am (c: The new art is completely fabulous and as soon as I saw the color, I knew exactly why you loved it!

    ReplyDelete

  12. Awesome painting...I like these from here, too:

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfrancoart

    I have a Venice watercolor and my dog's portrait in acrylic/watercolor-VERY reasonable, too!

    ReplyDelete

  13. i'm really good at leaving hints. i.e. "here's a link to what i want..."

    you're right about original art--never be afraid to invest in it!

    hope you'll pop over when you have a moment, lovely blogger.

    smiles to you.

    michele

    ReplyDelete

  14. Ok, I do love the art, but I still can't get over how much I love your rug! Where did you get that again?!

    ReplyDelete

  15. My dog could paint better than that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Art like beauty is found in the eye of the beholder. You should let your dog paint if you really feel that way - this lady did with her horses http://www.ecmagazine.net/Vol7_2/PaintingHorses.htm

      Delete

    2. There's always one naysayer in an otherwise lovely post and comments. May they be filled with loving kindness

      Delete

  16. umm... yes! I buy myself a present for almost every holiday. There are some things that you just can't trust to other people. Things you are picky about that you know if you ask for them it won't be exactly what you want. Example, Christmas, I bought myself a new work bag and it was perfect! Vintage Dooney!

    PS.. love the painting and I agree with you about the candlesticks!

    my morning coffee

    ReplyDelete

  17. Good for you! Art is so personal and you know what you like! I have bought myself presents too:)

    ReplyDelete

  18. That painting works so well on your mantel! Glad you received the perfect bday gift, even if it was from yourself!

    ReplyDelete

  19. It's lovely! I love the modern twist it gives to your mantle. My birthday is right around the corner. I had better start dropping some hints.

    ReplyDelete

  20. Great idea, I love the art work. However, I was wondering where did you get those curtians? I love them and I need them for my birthday!

    ReplyDelete

  21. Opps....I just saw the post where you made them. They look great.

    ReplyDelete

  22. love the painting and it looks perfect on your mantle!!! as for buying my own gifts for my birthday its a big fat yes I do! I am also really good at leaving little hints (notes, emails with links, or leaving it pulled up on his laptop) maybe taller candlesticks but fatter ones would look really good too!!

    ReplyDelete

  23. Rolling the sheets instead of folding and putting them in labeled baskets...What a great idea...I just ran into that very problem this morning....kiddo had a little pee pee accident in bed, sheets needed to be changed in a hurry, husband yelling for help in the linen closet, because he can enver figure out which sheets to put on what bed...GENIOUS...will copy the labeled baskets

    ReplyDelete

Be nice or I'll tell your mom! xoxo -C

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
 
Blog Design by: Designer Blogs