Feeling Blessed

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Perfection

I was about to list everything that is perfect about this kitchen from the copper hood to the leather stools. Then I realized I would literally list every. single. thing. from this picture ....

Dining Room Plan- Backordered!

I have procrastinated long enough on getting our dining room put together so I spent some time yesterday looking for a rug and drapes for the room.  We've been in our house for over a year, and when I finally decided on drapes and was ready to pull the trigger on ordering them, I realized they aren't available for shipping until NOVEMBER 7!  Ug!  I want them now!  But if I've waited this long, does it really matter?  I'm going to look a little more and decide on something this weekend.  

Here are the ones I originally wanted, Concorde Medallion Panel from Ballard Designs (Indigo).

But, I also really love Kristen's (6th Street Design School) living room drapes, which are made from this fabric. I could order it and have them made??  The blue seems more vibrant, which I really like.  

I'm thinking a trip to the fabric store is in order for the weekend to help me decide!

Our Kitchen (From Inspiration to Reality)

When we decided that we were going to build a home, I started scouring blogs and design magazines for inspiration.  I recently came across two magazine articles that I had torn out and showed to our builder as the inspiration for our current kitchen.  I can't remember which magazines they came from, but I'm thinking Traditional Home and Kitchens & Baths.

Based largely on these photos, our kitchen was born!

Here's a peek:

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One Month

A lot of you have asked for Henry updates. Since it takes me on average 2 weeks to return a call or e-mail these days I figured I would do a post. This past weekend he turned one month old. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It has been wonderful but it has also been hard. I am still trying to get used to the adjustments, especially extreme lack of sleep. Every moment has been amazing though...This picture features him in his first Ole Miss onsie, I don't blame him for being so upset...it is a tough life being a OM fan.

I had to include this picture because my best friend gave him the Rolling Stones onsie. Only those who know you so well could give such a perfect gift. Thanks Dew!

Also, several people have asked about Harry (dog). He appreciates it. I can report he has not been neglected...too much. I think when I moved my office out of the house it was a lot harder for him than the newest addition to the family.See the sign in the background of the picture above? I have been waiting for it and can now show you the last piece of the nursery. Post to come in the next few days...

Tuesday at our house

It's Tuesday and my to-do list is a mile long today.  My baby's got a cold, my allergies are going crazy, the clean laundry is sitting in laundry baskets getting nice and wrinkled, and the kitchen is a mess!  But it's okay, that's life.  Thankfully, we have a beautiful kitchen and nice clothes to wear!  The doctor said James is fine and will get better soon.

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Here's to your Tuesday and looking forward to the weekend already!

Monday Pick Me Ups

Via Pinterest

Our Fall Mantle

As much as I loved summer this year, I've finally embraced the idea that fall is here and changed out our  summer mantle from sand and shells to a fall mantle with pumpkins and pinecones!  Since we don't have a fireplace, our mantle is a console table that sits in our  entryway-anything works, right?!  I love bringing in those warm fall colors to signal that it's time to get cozy!

I started with a piece of burlap that I cut into a runner, added some Target mercury glass candlesticks and votives, mini pumpkins from Hobby Lobby and pinecones that I added some sheen to with gold spray paint. 

Are you welcoming fall in your home?

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I'm linking up with The Lettered Cottage and you can too!

Quiet Time

Via Pinterest, thanks Claire!

Hmmm

Have a wonderful weekend.

"For Now" Decor

The curved staircase just off of our living room is kind of a focal point in our house.  I've got some ideas on how I'd like to decorate it-- simply with a round rug and table and a big, leafy green plant.

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But, until I find the rug and table, we've got a "for now" situation happening.  I shopped our house and found a pair of our dining chairs, one of our former coffee tables and a silver Target vase with some Pottery Barn botanicals to fill in the space.

And come Christmas!, our tree will go there, so we probably won't be making any permanent changes until then.

Man Overboard

My phone met a horrible fate and decided it did not want to live anymore. If you have been trying to reach me I promise to get back to you as soon as I have a replacement.

James' Halloween Costume

Given James' recent fascination with the kid show Yo Gabba Gabba, we decided he could be DJ Lance Rock for Halloween.  We got the costume last weekend and I think he's going to be adorable! 

Last year, when James was just a tiny baby, I posted about these costumes- I still think they are so cute!  Do you dress up for Halloween?  I haven't in ages, but while we were shopping for James' outfits, I saw some really fun adult ones too.  

Love the One You're With- Simplified Bee

Another guest post by another fabulous blogger! I was lucky enough to meet Cristin a year ago in New York and I have been a big fan since. There is a lot to love about her blog but her guest post series "What Would You Do" is my favorite. So happy to have her here!

First off, I am so excited for the arrival of Marianne’s darling baby boy! I had the pleasure of meeting her last year NYC and I can confirm she's darling. And I just know she is going to be an amazing mother and hope she is enjoying this most special time with her newborn. Marianne, I wish you much love and sleep!

I am also thrilled to be part of Marianne's Love The One You’re With series. It is easy for many of us to focus on the aspects of our homes that need to change, rather than on the beautiful spaces that bring us joy and positive energy.

One such room in my home is our dining room. I love the the open and airy feel, the bank of beautiful windows and the furnishings. It is just a feel good space and a place I enjoy spending time with my family every day.

It’s an eclectic space and pieces have been added over time. An antique Chinese cabinet, reproduction French cane back chairs and a vintage chrome & glass display case have all found a home in our dining room.

Some of my favorite items in the room include various styles of artwork, a cow hide rug {added most recently} and a vintage chrome cart that I purchased at an estate sale. It was originally used as a TV stand, but today it makes a great tea or bar cart.

Thanks again to Marianne for the opportunity to be on this wonderful blog.

Thank you Cristin! That room is inviting and chic at the same time. I love anything that has the word "cane" in the description.

Those Chairs

I want those chairs... This photo makes me think I will never tire of gallery walls as long as they are well done and interesting. Also, I am thinking about painting our dining room and a color like this is what I have in mind.

Image Nate Berkus Associates

Let's Get This Week Started

Let's get this week started with updated classics...Casual hair and embellished clothing...
A sunny kitchen with a great floor...
Another project to add to your list for next weekend...
And a little animal to take us a long way...
Hope your week is starting off on a high note! Images Pinterest

Fall is in the Air

You know fall is in the air when Starbuck's puts out their specialty fall drinks.  Or is that just how I know it's fall??!!   Maybe it's because our leaves don't really change colors and our temperature barely drops.  Anyhow, this weekend I tasted Starbuck's new

It is Yumminess!!  I love the little bits of sea salt you taste throughout the drink.

Being curious, I looked up the nutritional info (or the info that tells you how fattening their stuff is) and it's not bad enough to keep me from ordering it once in a while.  I got the tall without whipped cream:

If you go with nonfat milk, you'll save 30 calories and 4 fat grams- not that you need to be worrying about that while enjoying your tasty beverage.  Your $4 tasty beverage!  Ouch!



What signals fall to you?  Do you even like Starbuck's- don't answer that Amanda!! Ha!  For those SB drinkers, I'm always curious what your order is??