Selasa, 25 Januari 2011

Packing for Blissdom

Is it ever easy to get out of town??  Today’s ‘to do’ list felt a mile long, and not everything got accomplished (the workout fell to the bottom of the totem pole in terms of priorities) but I managed to get my nails done, do some shopping, run to the grocery store, do laundry, figure out what to pack, halfway pack my suitcase, print my boarding pass and Bilssdom ticket, and pick up some champagne to toast to a fun time with the girls!

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I’m really hoping everything fits into my suitcase.  It’s crazy how much space just the beauty products take up!  I like to use my own hairdryer when I travel, but it’s so big along with the brushes, curling iron, etc.  And I’m not evening bringing my other curling iron or flatiron!  p.s. I love my Henri Bendel makeup bags.  HB is one of my absolute favorite stores in NY, and I hear they have one in Dallas too now. 

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Here’s the other mountain of stuff that has to fit.  The computer and electronics will carry on with me.  I will also carry on the two small HB makeup bags because I really don’t want to have to replace any of that stuff last minute should something happen to my suitcase.

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I’m really looking forward to the trip, but will be so sad to leave James.  Knowing he’s in good hands with Daddy, and having the support and encouragement of my family, makes me feel so secure and thankful to God!

If you’re heading to Nashville too, I hope to see you.  Please stop and say hi!!!!!  And I will really miss everyone who isn’t going.  Isn’t it a bummer that we live so far apart?

Mugs...What's Yours?

Yesterday I ran into Pier 1 for a client and I had to talk to myself out of buying this....Okay, I will be straight with you, it was actually this one....
I know, I know, you are questioning my taste, at this moment I am too. I have an excuse though. You know those things you always want to buy even though you don't need one more (probably because you can't stop buying them)? Usually this particular vice of mine falls victim to the coat/tee shirt category....
However, there is something about a mug that I find hard to resist. Especially if it has initials...
Numerous times I have almost bought the mugs above (Anthropologie) and below (West Elm).
I have been able to exert a significant amount of self control over the years but sometimes it is hard. Which leaves me wondering what is it exactly that draws me to mugs? I don't know to be honest.

Other items that randomly yet often tempt me: pencils, paper napkins and coffee table books.

So let's hear it, what do you find yourself constantly wanting to buy over and over for no apparent rhythm or reason?

Senin, 24 Januari 2011

Mudroom Makeover {Part 2}

Do you have one area of your house that is constantly changing or that you always want to change?  One of those areas in our house is the mudroom.  It’s a great area just off the garage that is perfect for setting my purse, keys, and whatever else comes into the house with me. 

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Initially I painted some stripes and inserted decorative storage baskets {Target $9.99} into the cubbies:

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Then I made a no-sew bench seat, pillows, and added a mirror {Hobby Lobby- $25 on sale} 

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Even though the result was better than the “Before” I wasn’t thrilled with my fabric choice.  Truth be told, I immediately wanted to change it, but that didn’t happen until last weekend. 

With endless fabric options, it’s so hard to narrow it down!  Luckily, switching it up is easy!!  I simply recovered the bench with the new fabric.  This time I went with Dwell Studio Bella Porte Brindle.   I haven’t made any coordinating pillows yet, but I like the change.

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Dwell Studio’s fabric line is so graphic, modern, and fun. This particular pattern comes in other colors too- the navy is my favorite. 

Check out some of their pillows

DOTTED TRELLIS AZURE PILLOW  DIAMOND IKAT AZURE PILLOW

DIAMOND IKAT CITRINE PILLOW PEACOCK AZURE PILLOW

PEACOCK CITRINE PILLOW GATE AZURE PILLOW

GATE CITRINE PILLOW Chinoiserie Long Throw Pillow

Now I want to cover my big, brown leather ottoman in some fun fabric but I can’t figure out how to dismantle it!  I may have to sell it and buy another inexpensive one that I can recover. Just need to find the perfect size.

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Trina and Schumacher

The other day I saw the new introductions in the Trina Turk for Schumacher line and I am in love. The punch of color from the indoor/outdoor (yes, that means kid friendly) fabric was just what I needed this time of year. More from the line...
Additional information and prints can be found on Schumacher's site. Thank you Cecily for the pictures and all your help!

Minggu, 23 Januari 2011

Quiet Time

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 4-9


And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Phillipians 4:19-20

Jumat, 21 Januari 2011

Blissful

Hope you have a blissful and relaxing weekend. I am looking forward to some R&R after I get through this busy day, wish me luck!

Images Vogue and Ballard

Kamis, 20 Januari 2011

Where I Blog {Office Makeover}

Most nights you can find me here, in my home office, working on my part-time lawyer stuff, browsing design blogs and websites, or blogging to my heart’s content.  It’s also where I do crafty stuff like play with my Silhouette, dream up decor plans for our home, and email with friends.  All from this pretty little (well, actually not so little) desk.  It’s the Jett Desk from Z Gallerie.  It’s one of the first things I ordered for the new house, because I liked it so much!

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The chair is from Crate & Barrel.  Amazon has one similar too.




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Let’s back up so you can see the whole room!

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One organizing challenge the space posed was how to store all my magazines, paper, books, fabrics and such.  Ikea Expedit to the rescue.  It’s a really sleek, efficient, and affordable option at $129 for the 6’ x 6’ size.  Having all your goods out in the open can be visually overwhelming, so I tried to keep the contents streamlined.   I’m sure I’ll be playing around with organizing this in the future.

The unicorn on top is a sentimental gift from my baby brother, Austin, when we were kids.  He was about 5 years old and used his allowance to buy it at a neighborhood garage sale!  That unicorn has moved with me a million times- the horn is chipped, but I still love it because it reminds me of the sweet sentiment.

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To the right of the entry door is the Made by Girl ‘Blogs & Coffee’ print that I love to look at from my desk.  Wrapping paper is at easy access in two Container Store bins.

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I created this silhouette of my son with the Silhouette machine, but I couldn’t quite figure it out (those point edits) so I had to free-hand it.  If you know how to do this, please let me know!

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The two black pieces are leftovers from our former townhouse.  I don’t know if I would originally have added black to the room, but it works okay for now.   The garden stool was a Z Gallerie splurge.  One of those things where, after admiring it for months and it never going on sale, I finally caved.  The lamps are from Target. 

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The “media” chest is from Crate & Barrel and currently holds wrapping supplies like ribbon and bows, and envelopes and labels.

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I love to have some of my favorite inspirational books close at hand.  I created the inspiration board with a cork board, spray paint, fabric, and thumb tacks.  The acrylic tray is from CB2.  The small clock is from Pottery Barn and the decorative box was found at the Restoration Hardware Outlet.

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I guess I’m sentimental about gifts.  Above: The little fish is from my Grandma.  The owl is also in her honor, since she loves how they represent wisdom (mine is from West Elm).  That’s a Tory Burch paperweight that I used a $50 gift card on. 

This mirror was a recent Home Goods steal at $39.  Kinda reminded me of the expensive ones I’ve seen sold elsewhere.

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I painted a medallion stencil on the ceiling around the Overstock chandelier but I’m not sure it will stay.  I’ve been considering painting the ceiling a solid color.  Thoughts??  Also, the quality of the chandelier isn’t the greatest in case you were eyeing it.

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And my rug- that I LOOOOVE!  It’s from Overstock and so super comfy on my feet, like a pillow cloud.  I had considered other graphic patterns but didn’t like how they felt.  

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I made the curtains and then found a great sturdy and sleek curtain rod at West Elm.

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Here’s how the room looked when we moved in:

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Here’s my Inspiration Board:

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And here is the Result:

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I’d love to add a little upholstered chair and ottoman at some point . . .  Are we ever really DONE with our rooms??  :)   I tried to cover all the bases, but if I left something out or you have a question, let me know! 


Have a great weekend!


I’m sharing this post with Sarah {Thrifty Decor Chick}

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