About Arianne

Arianne creates style ideas, writes thoughts on parenting 4 children, plants knowledge in young minds, curates lovely things, and does it all with an eye for the story being woven through her each and every day. As the owner of Mabel + Riv, she strives to bring you inspiration, handmade creations and beauty from voices across the creative-sphere. Find her on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram as @ariannesegerman.

by Arianne on February 4, 2013 • 8 Comments Decor Your Home

The perfect statement wall

Written by Arianne Segerman, Simple Design editor and writer at the personal blog To Think Is To Create

I have been working on some fresh new decor ideas for my home, and I’m thinking what’s needed is a statement wall. Something eye catching but not in an area where I already have a lot going on. These walls add whimsy and character to a room and make me feel so happy. Check out these inspiration walls I’m coveting:

The herringbone wood wall above is just stunning, isn’t it? Go to Makely School for Girls for the tutorial on how to do this yourself.

I’ve become slightly obsessed with anchors lately – this anchor statement wall is easy to do thanks to this pretty tutorial from A Beautiful Mess.

A few cans of paint and some well placed tape would create this beautiful random chevron wall. Thanks to Animal Print Shop for this one!

A statement wall can still make a big splash without being a bright color. I love the large scale of this chevron wall – check out the DIY for this at Sabbe.

We have all seen the plate-on-the-wall effect, right? What about taking it BIG and creating shapes with the color of the plates? I love the jaw dropping effect of this wall (found on the gorgeous Modernly Wed).

[Read more...]

by Arianne on January 30, 2013 • 3 Comments DIY Your Home

Ideas for Valentine’s Day wreaths

Written by Arianne Segerman, Simple Design editor and writer at To Think Is To Create

February is almost here, are you ready to decorate for Valentine’s Day yet? Even if you aren’t big on celebrating this “holiday”, it’s still fun to be festive just because we can. Lots of pretty ideas out there for Valentine’s themed wreaths, so I rounded up some lovely ones to give you ideas for purchasing or making yourself. Check them out below:

Laser cut white cardboard wreath by Cardboard Safari

Glittery Red Heart Wreath by Bubble Gum Dish

Burlap Love wreath by ATPitman

Brown Recycled Cardboard Heart Wreath by Cardboard Safari

Conversation Hearts Wreath by The Baker’s Daughter

Rustic Berry Scented Wreath by Wild Ridge Design

[Read more...]

by Arianne on January 23, 2013 • 11 Comments Fashion You

Dress for the day: Winter attire

I‘m headed to chilly Salt Lake City today to attend Alt Summit for the first time. I’ve never been to a conference in snowy weather before, so packing for this trip was a tricky experience for sure! Alt is a conference for Lifestyle and Design bloggers, it looks AMAZING, and I admit I’m nervous and excited to meet new people and get a big dose of much needed inspiration.

Attempting to be stylish but also warm is a fun (and sometimes frustrating) challenge, here’s what I chose for one of my outfits:

I found a vintage poncho similar to the one above to fit my curves without adding too much bulk.
I belted it to create shape and give me a waist, try it before you think it would make you look bigger – it’s actually slimming!
Paired with simple jewelry to compliment (and not compete) with the pattern on the poncho
A comfy bootie (must be comfy for LOTS of walking!) to complete the look.
A pretty computer/camera bag is what I’ll have on hand, too, no reason to carry around a big ugly bag when there are so many cute options out there!

As you can see, I have no plans to brave the snow, and being from Phoenix means I don’t even own anything snow-worthy anyway. I’m much happier by a fire with hot cocoa in hand, watching snow from INDOORS.

Question for you: Do you like wearing ponchos? Would you wear them with a belt?

I’m linking up with Dress for the Day today – are you dressing for the day you want to have, or the day that’s trying to have you?

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @ariannesegerman and on Facebook to see lots of fun pictures from Alt. I can’t wait to share all the fun and creative info I bring home with me, but while I’m there don’t miss all the action (mostly on Instagram)!

[Read more...]

by Arianne on December 27, 2012 • 2 Comments DIY Your Home

Simple ideas for storing Christmas decor

We are just recovering from a haze of the Christmas stomach flu, but already I’m anxious to put away the holiday decor and get ready for a New Year’s bash next week. I love to find stylish storage solutions because they just make me happy and if I can achieve form *and* function, I’m having a good day. Check out these fun and simple ideas:

Storing Christmas lights

I don’t know about you, but we are constantly getting light strands tangled, broken or otherwise lost. And even when we manage to be organized, we pull out all the lights and can’t remember the brilliant display we thought up the year before. Did the white lights go on the garage or the big tree out front? I love these ideas from BHG for keeping the lights untangled, labeled and looking good.

Storing Christmas ornament

How many special ornaments of yours have been broken over the years because of a poorly chosen storage system? I change mine up every year because I feel like I’m still in search of the best system – but I’ve never tried putting felt underneath!

If you’re wanting to keep it really simple, Martha says that white tissue (or white dishtowels) will pad ornaments but also protect them from dyes and chemicals that might harm the ornament.

Storing the Christmas tree

If you haven’t invested in a bag for your artificial tree, now is the time. They are super affordable and you can finally get rid of that ripped, old original box the tree came in. They come in various colors and sizes – some even with wheels on the bottom.

Do you have any tips for storing Christmas decor? I’d love to hear them!

by Arianne on December 21, 2012 • 11 Comments Decor Your Home

Christmas home tour

We have only lived here about 8 months, but we’re loving settling in for our first Christmas at our home here in the desert of Phoenix. Today I’m sharing a look inside our house to give you a peek at how we decorated for Christmas this year. Come on in!

I love our simple felt wreath (found on Etsy last year).

I’m a big fan of tinsel trees, we have 5 of these on our front stoop.

Most of our decor is vintage (or vintage inspired) or handmade or both! This Christmas card holder was my grandmother’s.

We don’t have a mantel, so had to get a bit creative this year and made a “tree” out of twinkle lights, finger knitted garland and gold tinsel. The handmade banner was a gift last year.

[Read more...]