It's finally Friday and I'm so excited to be heading away to a friend's lakehouse for a girl's weekend! I can't wait for lounging on the dock, cruising on the boat and getting a tan.

I've been doing some thinking about what my own lake house would look like if I had one... and here a few of the images that are my inspiration. Rustic and comfortable - but also durable and functional. What would your lake house look like?

My tiny apartment's bathroom leaves something to be desired.... specifically counter space. Just like my kitchen! So when I see a drool-worthy bathroom, I immediately start daydreaming about getting ready every morning in it. A few of my current favorites are below.

It really is amazing what you can do with furniture and an imagination. Ikea is the best go-to for lower cost furniture that ranges from modern to classic. My couches are from Ikea and I love them - you can easily take off the machine-washable slipcovers and they are comfy to boot.

I always wondered what people did with the bare bones furniture that Ikea sells and I found my answer. They are PERFECT for DIY projects! I found a few below and my jaw is still on the floor as I write this. I may have to try the nailhead tables myself!

Ikea rast bedside tables turned into glamorous, styled bedside tables

$19 Ikea side tables renovated into on-trend nailhead tables

Ikea Expedit shelf transformed into back hall storage

There's this turquoise chandelier that's been making the rounds on blogs for a while now. Every time I see it, I want it more and more. It makes the room pop in each of these pictures. One day... my house will have a turquoise chandelier.

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I am loving exposed brick walls. They are rustic and casual and add to the look of a comfortable and cozy home. I can't decide what my favorite place for brick is, but I'm drawn to the kitchen and bedroom.

As you all know - my apartment lacks space. Which means there is absolutely no room for a home office of any kind. Cue sadness. I would love a space to keep all my papers and things, especially now that wedding plans are underway. So while I sit on the couch planning my wedding this weekend, I'll be dreaming of sitting at these gorgeous desks.

While browsing one of my favorite blogs, Bryn Alexandra, I came across this amazing house. And then I found out it's in one of my favorite cities - Charlotte. I love how comfortable and chic it looks. I could sleep for days in those bedrooms!

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I stare at beautiful things on blogs and Pinterest and brainstorm ways to make them my own. And while I can't afford them, I can certainly try to DIY them. 2012 is going to be the year of DIY - and I'm starting with these projects below.  What have you been dying to DIY?

Chalkboard Cheese Tray

Book Art

A Tiered Dessert Tray

Mercury Glass Lamps

First of all - what does everything think of At First Blush's new look? I'm still tweaking some things but I figured it was time for a bit of an update!

I've posted about my love of cozy beds before, but this time it's the whole bedroom look I'm envying. From wood ceilings to brick walls to fluffy down comforters and tufted headboards, I'd be happy to jump into any of these beds after a long day. Which is your favorite?

I am a city girl who lives in a loft. But I wish I lived in THIS loft! I can't stop staring at the photos... all the light, space and exposed brick!

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