The Newlywed Diaries

Planning

2011-12-29T09:51:00.003-06:00

Somebody (actually, two somebodies - Elliot was born on her Daddy's birthday) has a birthday coming up! My mind and spare time are consumed with all things fun and girly. Here is what is inspiring me ...

Photos: Cake, Cake, Once Wed, Jones Design Company, Style Me Pretty.

Merry, Merry!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of Righteousness

Light and life to all he brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving!

Photos: via Style Me Pretty, Southern Accents, via Brunch at Saks, Everyday Occasions, David A. Land for Better Homes & Gardens.

Dark

2011-10-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

A little charcoal grey is about as spooky as I get.

Happy Halloween!

Photos: House & Home, Pinterest, via Wit and Delight, via Preppie Bettie, m. elle design.

Goldenrod Yellow

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year - the goldenrod is blooming everywhere. I clipped some from an empty lot near our neighborhood (I sure the guys in the pizza parlor next door think I'm crazy), but it wasn't as photogenic as it has been in years past. And while I am not usually a big yellow lover, I was quite taken with the color in House & Homes' Princess Margaret Showhome. Isn't this the most cheerful kitchen? Pairing the hue with a dusty charcoal gray and light wood finishes was unexpected and chic.

Photos are by Michael Graydon for Canadian House & Home.

Skirting the Issue

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love the skirted table that Erika had made for her daughter's second birthday. The fabric is very inexpensive, and she chose red so that she could use it again on holidays (how festive will it be on the 4th of July?).

Our dining room table's surface takes a beating when we have guests and it would be nice to have a floor-length cloth to use when we pull the chairs away. Ana Spiro has a lovely ticking-stripe cloth on her desk.

A box pleat would be pretty, too, and that might be a little more in-line with my sewing abilities. Now, where's my measuring tape?

Mexican Sage

2011-09-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Fall must be near, because my Mexican Sage is beginning to bloom. I'm really not in the correct climate for it to flourish (or so the guy at the garden center tells me), but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about it spilling over a brick path and being all purple and soft and wonderful.

Happy Weekend!

* Photo info here.

A Favorite Charleston Home

2011-09-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love to get a closer look at homes I admire, and was excited to see this Charleston house Michelle featured recently. The historic home was decorated by homeowners Mark and Melissa Maresca, and I first fell for it in the pages of Southern Accents. It's classic and beautiful, yet interesting; a real grown-up house (the likes of which I will never own - but love to look at!).

Aqua + Linen + Rust

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm always on the hunt for interesting color combinations, and lately I am taken with this one. It seems just right for late summer/early fall and even inspired me to pair an orange linen skirt with an aqua silk top for a wedding recently. Hopefully it was as cute in person as it was in my head. Anyway.

If I were turning it into a room, I would start with this smart sofa and add a nice, long lumbar pillow in Windsor Smith's Riad.

A pair of these cuties in Saffron Linen would sit opposite the sofa, with a sleek table in between.

* Top photo from the always-inspiring Purl Soho.

** Apologies for my recent prolonged absence(s). I have still been reading my favorite blogs, but the desire/inspiration to write my own has temporarily been lacking. I think I might be getting my groove back and look forward to reconnecting with you all.

Beautiful Messes

2011-08-22T09:52:00.004-05:00

Some days, the bed doesn't get made until the middle of the day.

The sewing projects pile up in the dining room.

This stinker gets two baths (she is more interested in feeding herself than being fed - it is fun but messy!).

The colorful plastic toys take over my once calm living room.

The kitchen counter is lost under a pile of dishes (the dishwasher is broken ...).

But it will probably get worse because someone is dying to be on the move!

Morning Coffee

2011-07-01T10:10:00.003-05:00

I am smitten with this charming, light-filled kitchen, spotted on Pinterest via Caitlin. I love the mix of dishes and art on the shelves over the white subway tile.

The wide-plank floors, island and french doors make for a dreamy spot to slowly sip a cup of coffee. (I seem to be talking coffee an awful lot lately. I promise I am getting sleep - Elliot has slept well from the beginning. But I did give it up while I was pregnant so I suppose I am just still happy to have it back. Ha.)

Photography is by Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful.

Ticking Stripe Sofas

2011-06-28T09:24:00.005-05:00

I have a small hand-me-down settee in desperate need of a makeover. Right now I have a piece of fabric tossed over it to hide some of the heinous 90's burgundy, navy and hunter green postcard-print upholstery. Yeah. As usual, I won't have a ton of cash to spend on the project, so I'm thinking a simple ticking stripe might be the answer.

How cute are these two ticking stripe sofas? The welt on this one seems to have been cut on the bias. Fun!

Photos, from top: Traditional Home, Katy Elliott.

Playing Pretend

2011-06-13T10:44:00.007-05:00

If I lived here ...

I would have breakfast and coffee here ...

While Elliot toddled around wearing this ...

And we would hang out with friends and family here ...

And I would wear this watch ...

With this scarf ...

And then I would tinker around in this garden ...

Before having sweet dreams here. Sounds nice, doesn't it?

(For image sources, see my Pinterest)

Summer is ...

2011-06-07T09:30:00.004-05:00

Trips down a dirt road for farm-visiting ...

Blueberry-eating ...

Front-porch sitting ...

Peach cobbler making ...

New-swing swinging. What are you up to, these early summer days?

Dream House: Mudroom

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

The mudroom in the Tennessee farmhouse I grew up in was essential for shedding boots dirty from the barn and pastures, but here in suburbia, it would still be pretty nice to have one. Durable walls (board + batten, planks, or tongue-in-groove paneling painted semi-gloss) and floors, ample storage, and place to sit make for a perfect casual entry.

And a designated spot for the dog bed would be nice, too.

PS, I found all of these images on Pinterest. Follow me here!

Mothers' Day Wishes

2011-05-06T08:33:00.005-05:00

Last year on Mother's Day we surprised our moms with cards from "Baby Bonds to-be." It was a joyful and exciting occasion, as they were both eagerly awaiting the day they would become grandmothers.

I know this Sunday will be so much sweeter because of this blue-eyed baby girl. Elliot brings so much joy and life to our family, and she gives my days purpose and meaning. I am honored to be her momma. To every mother, and mother-to-be, I hope you are blessed this day.

Not-So-Pretty Things

2011-05-02T09:36:00.004-05:00

My heart is so heavy, I just couldn't bear to look at the last post any longer. You may know, I live in Birmingham, Alabama, just one of many communities devastated by tornadoes last week. Our home was spared by a few miles, Wes's parents' home was spared by a few city blocks, and for that we are thankful. But the need in our state (and others) is great, and goes far beyond the communities that have been covered well by the news stations. Thankfully, local response and compassion has also been great, and there are more ways to help than I can mention here (though please email me if you want some ideas!). If you do not live in the area and are moved to help, the American Red Cross is a good place to start. (Photo is of Pleasant Grove, just west of downtown Birmingham, by Butch Dill/AP, via MSNBC)

Pretty Things: Black and White

2011-04-12T09:59:00.005-05:00

For lack of a better description, this is nothing more than a random dump of inspiring images. Today, in black and white, with a little (unpolished!) brass thrown in for good measure.

Now this one is really random (and possibly slightly creepy?), but I like the combo of the tortoise shell glasses, gingham, and honey-colored wood of the guitar.

Photos: O so D, Ashley G, Elle Decor, unknown, La Maison Boheme, Katie Denham, Haskell Harris in Southern Living, Belle Decor at Garden & Gun (I think - wasn't planning to share this one), Donna Griffith for Style at Home, and unknown.

A Closer Look

2011-03-29T09:29:00.004-05:00

I love to look at Lonny, but honestly, not many of the homes have much practical inspiration for me. Ashley Putman's Houston home was definitely an exception. It doesn't look overly-designed, but is filled with personal style that's magically kid-friendly -- the perfect stylish family home. Which is why I nearly fell out of my chair when I spotted again on Holly Mathis. It was featured in a Houston holiday home tour last season, and local blogger Lauren offered a closer look. There are some new spaces, like a great hallway gallery wall and an adorable nursery, but it's the kitchen I keep coming back to (no surprise there).

Around Here ...

2011-03-09T10:10:00.006-06:00

We have a 2-month-old who has discovered her hands.

My days are filled with morning-naptime coffee-drinking and blog checking ...

... followed closely by frantic naptime house-cleaning.

There is lots of smiley play time.

For me, playtime is late in the day in the kitchen.

Or outside, watching Spring's welcome approach.

Thinking Ahead

2011-03-03T11:13:00.005-06:00

I'm still working on a few small projects for Elliot's nursery, but I'm already finding myself thinking ahead to what her room will look like as she grows. I'd like to add some feminine florals and small prints, and - now this is really thinking outside my usual box - piling on colors.

These two rooms, by Christy Ford, featured in the November 2010 issue of Southern Living, are great. Christy owns a fabulous shop, but lets her daughters - aged 4 and 6 - contribute to their rooms. I think they are both precious!

Photos by William Waldron

Dreamy Desk

2011-02-22T08:06:00.004-06:00

Holly Mathis recently turned her breakfast space into a desk space. It's visible from the front door, so it's also pretty. A pair of spray-painted lamps (with new shades) from the thrift store, a linen skirt, file boxes from Wal-Mart, and a few pretty accessories do the trick.

Between the kitchen and dining room, the desk would also make a great buffet when cleared.

Elliot's Blue and Green Nursery (so far)

2011-02-08T10:58:00.005-06:00

Elliot is almost five weeks old (so hard to believe!) and her room isn't quite finished. But, we're getting there (it's not like she sleeps in there anyway). The room used to be the guest bedroom, and we didn't repaint the walls (they are Blue Shamrock by Olympic). We didn't know she was going to be a she, so the goal was to create a simple, serene space that would work for a boy or a girl for under $1,000. We accomplished this by using things we already owned, and not buying an expensive set of brand-new furniture.

I knew I wanted a big piece of art over the crib so I've attempted to start painting it myself. I have the painting skills of a second grader, so please don't judge :) I suppose looking childish is fine in a baby's room, right?

I bought the sconces at an antique shop when little Elliot was just a dream. They were meant to be hardwired, but Wes added the cords so we could plug them in. Only one of them works at the moment, but I'll tell you about that later. We replaced the plastic sleeves, and I still want to do Lauren's trick to make them look like more expensive wax sleeves.

I painted a new white Jenny Lind crib (bought at a local shop) Pumpkin Seed by Martha Stewart at Home Depot. I love the result but it was a major pain. I borrowed a paint sprayer that I think was a little too strong for this project and ended up doing a lot of touching up drips and painting in the nooks and crannies with a small sponge roller. Next time I will leave it to a professional!

The bumper is off-white linen with a small ruffle on top by Pom Pom at Home bought locally at Three Sheets. It's very soft, washable, and is neutral enough for future babies and nurseries (which was the point). The striped crib sheet is by Boppy.

I made the crib skirt out of linen fabric from King Cotton inspired by these two by John and Sherry and Erika. I wanted it to hit the floor now while the mattress is high and later when we lower it. The vintage kindergarten chair came from a local thrift store, and we speculate that it may have from the kindergarten that my mom attended! PS, this is a good photo of the crib and wall colors.

The chest was our first purchase for the room, back when I was just a few weeks pregnant. I knew I wanted to use one in place of a changing table, and we happened upon this one while browsing an antique store in my hometown when we went up to tell my dad he was going to be a grandfather. The turned wood lamp was a clearance purchase at Target a while ago. I swapped a dark shade for a white one and I like it so much better now. The white frames are also from Target and I used fabric leftover from the crib skirt to cover the mats. Elliot's newborn photos will go in them. (Wipe warmer and diaper pail are not attractive, but necessary!)

The chest was wood and the finish was scratched and uneven, so we painted it Pumpkin Seed, too. I knew the details would paint really nicely, and I distressed it just a touch before adding a matte wipe-on poly finish.

The chair was a thrift store purchase (it used to be pink!) that was in great shape. I had it recovered in the same linen I used on the crib skirt and frames. I originally wanted a waterfall skirt, but didn't purchase enough fabric. My upholsterer was extremely affordable but also extremely slow, so when I found this out a week after Elliot was born, I no longer cared and settled for a regular skirt.

The blue and green blanket was a gift from Wes' mom, the pillow came from HomeGoods and the vine floor lamp came from a local consignment shop. We already had the garden stool, and I believe it came from HG was well.

I think that's about it. I'll keep you updated on how things go as we finish up and will post more photos then.

For those curious about how much it cost to bring it all together, here's the breakdown of what we bought.

Jenny Lind crib: gift
Chest: $230
Paint (one gallon for both): $25
Bird hook and hamper: already owned
Crib bumper: $170
Sheet: gift.
Fabric (six yards for the chair and one for the skirt and frames): $27/yard, $189
Chair: $27
Upholstery: $125
Sconces: already owned
Supplies for sconces: approximately $14
Canvas above crib: $12
Kindergarten chair: $5
Rug: already owned
Curtains: $20
Curtain trim: approximately $15
Pillow in chair: $13
Blanket: gift
Vine lamp: $40
Garden stool: already owned
2 white lampshades: $23
3 white frames: $43
White shelf (not pictured): $35
Total: $986 (just under budget!)

Peek at the Nursery

2011-02-04T12:33:00.003-06:00

I hoped to be able to post photos of the nursery this week, but the weather has not been good for photo-taking. We should get some sunshine in the morning (before it gets nasty again) so I've got a date with my camera planned ...

Happy Weekend!

Little Bird

2011-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

We started calling Elliot our "little bird" just few days after she was born. When she is hungry, she lets us know by opening her mouth, flapping her arms, and chirping like a, well, like a baby bird. It's very entertaining (to us, at least!). It's kind of funny now, because we had several things with birds on them for her before she was born.

Sweet little gown.

Pillow for the chair (look closely for the birds in the corners).

Okay, so I just bought this one. But I didn't think about it being a bird until I got home.

Bird hook holding a gown and hat that were mine when I was a baby.

More on the nursery (what we've done so far) coming this week, I promise!

Buffalo Check

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

I came about thisclose to having the chair in Elliot's room upholstered in a buffalo check. I wimped out and went with linen in the end (it's finally coming back from the upholsterer today!), and now I'm seeing buffalo check all over the place.

At Simply Seleta.

And Amy Meier. PS you are all reading Amy Meier, right? Okay good.

Elliot Claire's Birthday

2011-01-13T14:15:00.008-06:00

Elliot's birth day (which she shares with her Daddy, by the way) was the most special and precious day of our lives to date. We worked hard to bring her into the world in the way we felt was best: as naturally as possible. For those interested, here is our story from the perspective of our wonderful doula, Melissa (pictured here). It's not an especially gory version, but it is about natural birth, so there is your warning.

We were (and still are!) completely shocked it was a girl!

I would do it again every day for a look into those bright blue eyes!

It's A Girl!

2011-01-05T12:34:00.004-06:00

Our perfect little Elliot Claire entered the world this morning at 6:43 weighing 8 pounds on the dot. Baby and mom are doing very well and we are doing what we can to get some kind of sleep in between feedings since we were up all night. Thank you for all your prayers and support. We are so excited about what the Lord has in store for us with our new angel. As a token of thanks I've posted some low quality pictures from my phone. Rest assured many photoshoots will take place in the next few weeks.

Christmas at Our House

2010-12-28T10:11:00.004-06:00

I kept Christmas pretty low-key at our house this year. For some reason, I was fixated on the trouble it is to unstring the lights from a real tree, and I just couldn't get excited about doing so just days from my due date. When I spotted three-foot-tall Frasier Firs at Whole Foods, I was sold.

I've admired tabletop trees for a couple of years (last year, and the year before) so this was a great chance to try it in our house. I think it was quite adorable! And it only required one string of lights and two small boxes of ornaments.

I intended to make my own wreaths and garland again (see it from last year here), but after three trips to Lowe's and Home Depot and only a handful of free tree scraps, I broke down and bought 30 feet of White Pine garland for just $10 (at Home Depot), and then another 20 feet for $6 (at Lowe's).

I kind of missed the big, fluffy fir garland over the door, but this was cute too with the big, old-fashioned lights.

My glitter trees (the only decorations I own that aren't lights or ornaments!) went in the dining room with some tree scraps and my pewter bowl full of pinecones.

Christmas over all was pretty low-key actually, but it was also the best one in recent memory. There is just so much to be thankful for and to look forward to that fussy decorations and spending a fortune on gifts seemed silly. Not to mention we actually had a white Christmas! In Alabama! Unbelievable!

And now, we wait ...

Alternative Christmas Greenery

2010-12-15T15:23:00.004-06:00

Christmas trees are great, but I think I love a pretty wreath or a long string of garland just as much. And the fresher, the better! I usually stick with traditional firs and pines, but how pretty are these seeded eucalyptus wreaths and garlands from MyHomeIdeas?

Locally, my wholesale florist usually has seeded eucalyptus (you should probably call ahead for this much). As a bonus, it looks great as it dries and smells fantastic. You can find directions for the garland here.

And directions for the wreath, here.

Photos by Jean Allsopp.

Busy, Busy Bees

2010-12-07T09:21:00.007-06:00

To say that the past few weeks have flown by would be an understatement. It has been a non-stop parade of meals, parties, traveling adventures and house projects. Here is a sample of what we have been up to.

We celebrated one Thanksgiving at the lake, and then one on the farm. I definitely take up more space in the kayak 8 months pregnant!

Don't worry, had I fallen in, this girl would have pulled me to safety.

We took at little road trip to Western North Carolina. We saw the Biltmore all decked out for Christmas (I counted 32 trees!) and ate in as many restaurants in Asheville as we could.

Once home, we continued wrapping up little projects all over the house, like in our bedroom, which has finally come together.

And of course, there has been much to do as we count down to Baby Bonds' arrival (give or take five weeks!). We've painted furniture.

And hung light fixtures.

And sorted tiny and precious baby things (and perhaps done a little daydreaming about who will be wearing them soon). Today I'm determined to finish decorating for Christmas - more on that to come!

PS. We also watched Auburn beat Alabama and rout South Carolina to earn a trip to the BCS National Championship Game. WAR EAGLE!

Lakeside Thanksgiving Table

2010-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Wes's family is getting together this weekend at my family's lake cabin to celebrate Thanksgiving. Which makes me kind of the hostess? Everyone's pitching in on the food, and though it will be very low-key, I'd still like to make it special. (Photo via Southern Exposure)

I haven't quite worked out the table yet, but it will be very rustic and simple. I'm taking my fairytale pumpkin, a couple of baby boos, and am going to gather pine cones, leaves, and acorns when we get there.

I originally hoped to carve the pumpkin and use it as a vase as Eddie did at an event in Philadelphia (photos via High Street Market), but that just isn't happening.

To add to the natural elements, I've got burlap, copper, pewter and linen. Now here's to hoping that the dishwasher will be working and we won't have to ruin the whole thing with paper plates!

And by the way, this holiday hostess business is no joke. Remind me to thank my aunts and grandmothers next time I see them ...

Fall Color Inspiration

2010-11-03T15:41:00.010-05:00

Fall color in our neck of the woods has been a bit lacking, probably thanks to our end-of-summer drought. But I still love the muted grays, greens, and browns of the leaf litter constantly falling onto our deck (and everywhere else in our yard).

There are plenty of ways to use the colors when decorating for fall, which is great for our house, where an orange pumpkin stands out like a sore thumb.

Photos: top three are mine, Colin Cooke, bottom three from Saipua.

The Plan for Baby's Room

2010-11-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

When we found out Baby Bonds was on his or her way in May I thought that surely by November the nursery would be nearly complete. Ahahahahahahaha. We are, unfortunately, not even close with t-minus ten weeks to go, give or take (take being more likely as Wes and I were born 5 and 3 weeks early, respectively). I could offer a host of excuses, but why bother? The good news is that we're getting there (that halleluiah chorus you hear is our mothers).

Here's the plan (by the way, we won't know the baby's gender until D-Day):

The walls will stay the same color (see it here), Blue Shamrock by Olympic. A vintage chest and new Jenny Lind crib (which should arrive by this weekend!) will get a fresh coat of Pumpkin Seed by Martha Stewart for Home Depot. The chest's old hardware will get a good scrub. The white Ikea curtains will be trimmed with green ball fringe from JoAnn's and will be hung from the brass-look rod above (from Home Depot). The pink chair will be covered in flax linen from Lewis & Sheron. The crib bedding is simple, with white linen bumpers from Pom Pom at Home and a flax linen skirt (made my yours truly following this method). The green and white striped fabric is from my stash, and might become a pillow or perhaps a cover for the changing pad that will sit on the chest. The light fixture is similar to this one, and I bought it for $7 at a prop sale two years ago. I have some ideas for "art" that I need to price, and we still need a rug, at least a lamp or two, and a small side table to go with the chair (though the garden stool I already have will do just fine).

So, it's kind of a hodge-podge, but I like it, and let's be honest, the baby will not care! And don't worry, if she's a she, I'm sure I'll find a way to add some pink here or there.

Inspiring Ranch Re-do

2010-11-02T10:38:00.006-05:00

I think the nesting urges are starting to kick in because I've been cleaning out even the most random corners of the house. Last week I went through my old magazines. I only managed to get rid of four or five and a couple of duplicates, but they are now all organized nicely. In the process, I re-fell in love with a few old favorites, including this Atlanta house published in Cottage Living.

His-and-hers desks in the living room are hidden behind louvered doors on tracks. And I'm kind of obsessed with the buffalo-checked slipcovers on the chairs.

The front entrance, before.

The much more charming entrance, after.

Photos by Megan Thompson.

Happy Halloween Weekend!

2010-10-29T14:59:00.005-05:00

We aren't doing much in the way of Halloweening this year. But I did fill one bowl in my house with Baby Boo pumpkins and another with $10 worth of candy for the neighborhood kiddos (minus a few mini bags of Skittles that I had to, you know, sample for safety). Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

Fallish Feeling and Other Thoughts

2010-10-22T10:40:00.005-05:00

I have not meant to be so absent lately, but I suppose I haven't had much to say.

We are moving along on our little kitchen floor project, and I have sat down to share about it a couple of times, but just can't bring myself do that yet.

The house is in complete shambles around it, and really, no one wants to see that! I'm getting a little weary of it myself. But trying to be patient because I know it will be worth the effort when it is finished!

The chaos should be wrapping up (for the most part) by next weekend, so in the meantime, let's just enjoy the quiet serenity of these photos.

And hopefully soon I can make some progress on another little project we have going. Ahem, the nursery.

Once I can walk in there again, that is ...

Happy Weekend!

Photos: via Design*Sponge, via Desire to Inspire, via Mary Ruffle, Eddie Ross, Revival via Kayce Hughes, and Tim Clarke.

Day 1203's pretty

2010-10-15T10:12:00.004-05:00

Fall has been coming and going around here, and for this weekend, it's here. We are in the middle of some projects around the house that desperately need attention, but here's to hoping we can get out and enjoy it at least a little bit!

Happy Weekend!

Photo: Peggy Wong via Ruby Press.

Dressing the Dresser

2010-10-12T10:10:00.006-05:00

My dresser in our bedroom is tall, and has always kind of perplexed me. Right now, the small television set I had in college is sitting on it and since we never really use it, Wes is getting his wish and the TV is getting the boot. Now that some space is free, I'm thinking about what else I can do with the top (right now I have a tray that holds my jewelry and an alabaster urn). These three in particular are inspiring me.

This one is especially appropriate since Wes bought this crewel bedspread (for my birthday in February) from Kelly's fabulous shop!

Photos: Jordan Ferney, Lonny, High Street Market.

Painting the Kitchen Floor

2010-10-07T15:35:00.005-05:00

Making Room for Baby has turned into Starting a Million Projects. Well, really it's starting a couple of projects, which have led to other projects. Case in point: High on Wes's list of priorities has been moving our washer and dryer from the middle of the kitchen into a closet in the breakfast room.

But to accomodate them, the closet had to get bigger. So the entire wall had to come out. I am getting a pantry out of the deal (HOORAY!) but now we have to deal with the floors in both rooms. The peel-and-stick linoleum tiles have been doing more peeling than sticking lately so I was not sad to see them go. I was a little sad though, to see more linoleum and then lovely vinyl tile underneath.

Since we aren't yet ready for a full-on remodel, we've decided to paint the subfloor. Now, do I want a big checkerboard, stripes, or solid?

Photos: Cottage Living.

Octoberfest!

2010-10-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's October! One of my favorite months of the year! I'm going to celebrate by ...

Making pumpkin bread. And pumpkin waffles. And probably pumpkin bread pudding. Thank goodness the pumpkin shortage is over!

Picking some goldenrod. I did last year and it was so pretty and cheerful, lasted quite a while, and to my surprise, didn't shed or make me sneeze.

Eating bowls of steaming hot soup. I could use a few new recipes for this season; what soup do you love to make?

Picking out a pretty pumpkin (or two).

Making homemade apple cider doughnuts. I wanted to do this last year, but never did. Perhaps if I start thinking about it this month it will actually happen before Christmas.

Hm, three of the five involve food. Interesting. What are you going to do this month?

Top three photos are mine. Pumpkins are from The Martha Blog. Doughnuts are from Smitten Kitchen.

Day 1189's pretties

2010-10-01T10:27:00.005-05:00

Last night was a real treat. Doug and Paige of Tracery Interiors hosted a lovely garden party at Doug's home. Not only did I get to hang with some lovely ladies (Brooke, Marianne, Paula, and Megan) and make some new friends, but I got an in-person look at Doug's adorable bungalow. I have oohed and ahhed over his renovation on Tracery's blog, but I have to say, it looks even better in person!

Thank you for having us Doug and Paige! And did you hear the great news about Tracery's second shop? I have yet to visit the Rosemary Beach location, so this is very exciting!

For the Love of Lamps

2010-09-29T11:36:00.005-05:00

I was catching up with my friend Kim yesterday and read her post about buying her first lamp. Yes, her first lamp. Kim is great at lots of things, like growing a fantastic garden and sewing cute bags and the progress she and her husband Ryan are making renovating their second house makes me look like a sloth. But she is mystifed by lamps, which is mystifying to me because I love them.

I had the one above, and its mate, for at least two years before we bought the sofa they now sit next to. They lived in my closet for a year after I bought them for $17 each on sale at KMart -- they are of the old Martha Stewart Everyday collection.

She asked her readers to leave a comment with how many lamps they owned. I counted ten in my house, and actually thought for a moment that that number sounded a little low. Until I read the rest of the comments. Many people were in the 3-5 range, and there was just one more double-digit lamp owner like me. So who exactly is in the minority here?

This pair of antique/vintage murano lamps were kind of a splurge for me ($120 for the pair, I think) but I fell in love with them and Wes gave them to me for my birthday. I have just recently found shades to fit, though I think I still need a smaller harp. I hope we will have these forever.

I've heard it said that lamps can be the jewelry of a room and that they can really update a room, and I think that both are true. I always notice a great lamp in a room or in a photo. I also love to use a pair of lamps (on either side of a sofa or bed, or just on a long piece of furniture like a dresser, console table, or buffet) because it's a simple way to introduce symmetry, which can give a room a more finished look. I'm also a big fan of NOT using overhead lights on full-blast (dimmers are your friend!), and just generally think that lamps offer more flattering light (both to you and the room). I could go on an on about lamps, but I'd rather hear from you -- how many lamps do you have?

This lamp is my most recent acquisition. Again, it was love at first sight when I saw it on a blogger's Craig's List round-up, and I immediately e-mailed the seller to see if he was interested in shipping it to me from Minneapolis. I think he thought I was crazy, but it was totally worth it!

Day 1182's random story

2010-09-24T09:56:00.005-05:00

Wes and I have a modern relationship. What I mean is, we do a lot of communicating via e-mail and text messages. It's kind of lame, but necessary. He always sends me links to things he thinks I will like, and this morning, it was two stories about unusual animal pairings (here and here). I was highly entertained, but also nostalgic because they reminded me of a childhood pet: Our cow named Rooster who thought he was a dog.

Yes, you read that correctly. You may know that I consider my childhood home to be a small farm in southern Tennessee, but did you know that my dad was a country veternarian (think James Harriot)? One day a local farmer appeared at his clinic with an hours-old calf that had broken his leg during or shortly after birth. His mother and twin calf joined the herd but he, of course, couldn't keep up. His leg needed to be fixed and he would have to be bottle-fed, and this farmer didn't have the time or means to do either. My mother -- who has a soft spot for all things small or helpless -- happened to be there that afternoon and volunteered to take him. So, my dad did orthepedic surgery on his leg and we brought him home.

Have I mentioned that we didn't have any other cows? Rooster (who is named after John Wayne's character in True Grit, Rooster Cogburn, and not a bird) spent the beginning of his life in our horse barn, where his constant companions were our dogs, particularly an Australian Shepherd named Nick and a little terrier mutt we called Little Orphan Annie (another of mom's rescues). The dogs licked him clean after his bottles and spent the nights with him, and to this day, we're all pretty sure that Rooster thought he was a dog.

After he was healed and big enough to go out into the pastures, he could always be called to the fence for some affection (he liked to be scratched behind his ears) and would follow us back and forth if we walked through the pasture to get to the pond or the cabin my dad built on the property. He eventually became somewhat of an escape artist, preferring to spend his days lounging with the dogs under the pecan trees next to the house than with our horses, none of whom ever gave him the time of day. Well-meaning passers-by often stopped to let us know that our cow was out, but he was stubborn, and not even bribes of feed and treats could get him back through the gate unless he wanted to go.

The picture above is not Rooster (it's from domino, actually), but I do have a similar mental picture of Rooster standing in our front doorway as my younger sister -- curious about whether he would come in -- called him from inside. Ever the sensible first-born, I closed the door before he could make his move. We both already knew that he definitely would have come in if given the chance!

Rooster died of complications due to old age a couple of years ago (a fate not many Angus cows see), which was for the best since we no longer have the farm. I'm sure Rooster would have been quite happy to move to Birmingham with my mom and live in her suburban backyard with the dogs, but I doubt her new neighbors would have been so amused!

Happy Weekend!

Decorating Shelves

2010-09-23T10:55:00.004-05:00

I love messing with the shelves and cabinets in our house, and always zero in on shelves in homes or in photographs. These -- very different -- three have been inspiring me lately. Do you have a favorite?

Photos: Emily Henderson, via Kayce Hughes, via Ruby Press (this one is a shop).

Atlanta Before and After

2010-09-22T11:16:00.007-05:00

If you liked the keeping room I posted last week, you'll love the rest of home that designer Amy Morris updated for her parents. Of course, the basalt medallions in the entry had me at hello!

So much of the design I see online looks like it was decorated in a day via the internet, so I was happy to see that Amy used so many local sources. Of course, it takes longer and requires more foot-work to do it this "old-fashioned" way, but the end result is so much more personal.

You can see a more detailed source list here, but some of my favorite Atlanta spots were listed: Scott's Antique Market, South of Market, and Lewis & Sheron.

In the before photos, you can see that house was a pretty typical Colonial with a pretty typical 90's decorating job.

Amy brought it up to date with a simple color palette and chic furnishings.

I especially loved the more casual spaces like the breakfast room here, and the keeping room below. And I think I need some rope light fixtures in my life.

The wall color here is China White, by Benjamin Moore, which is the color I have in my kitchen and breakfast room (which I might start calling the keeping room! Ha.).

The dutch door and brick floor in the informal entry are so charming.

The master bedroom, before.

And now the lighter, brighter after.

The master bath, before.

And the much-improved after. I love the color of the vanity (Graphite by Benjamin Moore).

And finally, the master sitting room.

Photos by Emily Followill for Tradional Home. The architect on the addition and remodel was Bradley E. Heppner Architecture LLC.

Inspired by: Gingham

2010-09-20T10:18:00.004-05:00

Gingham seems to be having a moment this year, though I'm not sure if I would ever call it "out" when done well. This shirt in orange would be perfect for fall football games, but since I am without a waistline these days I will have to pass. PS, J.Crew has lots more gingham goodies.

Perhaps instead I will scoop up some orange gingham cupcake liners to dress up my favorite Autumn Morning muffins (isn't that a delightful name for a muffin?). I'll be sure to share the recipe when I make them for the first time this year.

Day 1175's pretty

2010-09-17T14:41:00.003-05:00

I'm head-over-heels for this pretty Atlanta keeping room (designed by Amy Morris). In part because the Tennessee farmhouse I grew up in had a "keeping room" (really just a sitting room off the kitchen) and I like the idea of them, but also because it looks like a delightful place to spend a fall weekend curled up next to a fire. But not here -- at least not this weekend -- where Indian Summer is in full swing. I hope it's turning fall-like where you are!

Happy Weekend!

Photo by Emily Followill for Traditional Home.

IKEA kitchen in ... Southern Living?

2010-09-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

When I think of an Idea House, IKEA is probably the last thing on my mind. Idea Houses tend to be dressed to the nines in custom, well, everything! But this Southern Living house in Senoia, Georgia has a kitchen outfitted with IKEA, and I must say, it looks good. I think the key to making the IKEA countertops, cabinets and hardware and appliances look higher end is to mix them with custom and unique details. For example, the lighting is custom by Sandy Springs Gallery, and the IKEA look of the stainless-steel vent hood is elevated with wood planks, trim, and support brackets.

I also love the way the Caesarstone counters on the island are wrapped over the sides -- a great way to prevent bumps and knicks. Notice also that the planks on the back of the island are repeated on the hood. A simple Windsor chair painted a fresh blue (Smokey Slate 460E-3 by Behr) offers a pop of color. You can find more sources on the products here.

Behind the range (Dåtid Pro H50 An by IKEA) is a carved wood backsplash that coordinates with the wood countertops (Numerär by IKEA). It's a nice change to see IKEA products in a more traditional space.

The scullery is through a pair of pocket doors.

I think the trick is mixing vintage and vintage-looking accessories to keep it from looking "too new." Any of you have IKEA in your kitchen? I'd love hear what you think!

Photos by Tria Giovan for Southern Living.

Lovely Letterpress

2010-09-13T11:11:00.003-05:00

Loving these letterpress suites from Stripe & Field. Simple and beautiful, with colors perfect for this early fall morning.

Inspired by: Familiar Landscapes

2010-09-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

I believe that art should be personal, and am always drawn to landscapes that resemble familiar views. Particuarly those that look like the gentle rolling hills of middle Tennessee (which I claim as my home state) or the meandering marshes of the low country of Georgia and South Carolina (we honeymooned in Charleston, but also because I really, really like it there). John Boatright's (a native of Columbia, Tennessee) work certainly fits the bill. Not to mention, the soft colors would look great in my house!

The only thing I really know about art is that I know what I like when I see it, so excuse my lack of anything of substance to say.

Victoria Adams (immediately above and below) lives on an island on Puget Sound near Seattle and so is obviously no stranger to dramatic and sweeping vistas. I am, again, particularly drawn to the images that resemble the low country. See more of her lovely work (which is oil and wax on linen, by the way) here.

Late Summer Lovelies

2010-09-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mother Nature is doing some serious teasing lately with cool(er) mornings interspersed between hot, hot afternoons.

It kind of makes me want to do like Lauren did, and spruce up the house a little to reflect the coming change.

I started last night by burning my favorite fall candle -- for $5 for the big jar, I can afford to burn it 24/7 until Christmas (Mulled Cider at Wal-Mart).

Not that I'm rushing out to buy pumpkins or anything, but you know ... some dalhias or sunflowers for the table sure wouldn't hurt.

Photos: Antonella Arismedni, Pure Style Home, Jodi Miller Photography, Saipua.

Day 1161's pretty

2010-09-03T10:10:00.006-05:00

So far September is shaping up to be a great month -- I just feel it. I think I did happy dance when I saw the forecast for this holiday weekend: highs in the 80's with overnight lows touching the 50's?! Yes, please.

Happy Weekend!

Photo: Martha Stewart Living, September 2005 via Anne Sage.

Outdoor Paint Inspiration

2010-09-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

The exterior of our house (seen here last fall) is a combination of red brick and gray board-and-batten siding with white trim and black shutters (and blue doors). There's a lot going on and I've wanted to paint since day 1, but that project isn't really on our short-term radar. Not that this deters me from looking for inspiration.

I had nearly decided that we would paint all of it either creamy white or a dark charcoal (with a tiny hint of green) when I spotted this house on Tracery's facebook page. Designed by Hudson Architecture, it is the best of both worlds and I think I am in love.

I love that the windows are the same color as the siding, and to me, this is more interesting that swathing the house in one color and trying to pretend it's all one material. I think I would lose the shutters (I prefer them to be working -- Charleston, South Carolina spoiled me on that), but what color should the columns be?

Tia Zoldan, Before and After

2010-09-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

I am sure you will recognize one of my favorite stories from Cottage Living magazine as Tia Zoldan's California house. Julie of Milk and Honey Home recently profiled her and featured some new pictures of her house. Which of course made me immediately dig out the old pictures to compare! The new look is definitely more sophisticated, and in many ways more glamorous than the version that was featured in Cottage. Have a look.

Living room, Before: I think we can all agree that this is "the mix" done so well. It looks chic but not overly decorated.

Living room, After: Tia often chooses large scale and interesting artwork, and it looks like this new piece inspired a new color palette. The once-white walls are now a soft gray. The coffee table seems to have been painted, and the sofa recovered. Looks like some of the popular ikat on the throw pillows. She still uses an ottoman as extra seating and layers a rug over the seagrass. It's interesting to see the same basic idea in different incarnations.

Kitchen, Before: The mostly-white kitchen had a classic subway-tile backsplash with a pretty border, and warm accessories.

Kitchen, After: The walls got a coat of green-gray paint, and it looks like the window trim and sashes are darker. The two upper cabinets are painted as well. I love this look, especially the floors (laid in a herringbone pattern before it was so trendy) and that great rug. I don't know what the banquette looked like before, but I suspect it wasn't black.

Console, Before: I'm actually not sure this is the same area, but let's pretend. I'm looking at the console in the left side of the photo.

Console, After: The sconce is updated, and I love the round mirror. I usually prefer symmetry, but this arrangement is cool.

Dining room, Before: I've always loved the mix of chairs, and I also love to see a generous rug under a table. Bare floors can look a little naked!

Dining room, After: I'll be honest, this is not my favorite -- I'm just not glam enough for gold chairs and zebra, I guess. But, I can see its appeal. In the very left of the photo, it looks like one of the striped barrel-back chairs is still around, even though the host's chair has been changed (is that burlap?!). The table is the same, and again, it's fun to see the different ways to use it. The wall color looks different, though photography can really play tricks with color. This does appear to be the same color as the kitchen, so maybe it is new. The curtains are definitely new, and while I'm not sure how I like them cutting off the top window, I think this faces the street, so they are probably necessary. I'd love to know if that big green armoire is still on the wall to the left!

Bedroom, Before: I've always liked this. Again, not an over-decorated look.

Bedroom, After: The bedroom also got a dose of glam with gray paint instead of white, and new lamps and bedside tables. The new curtains look more tailored, and the darker fur throw is sexier (for lack of a better term). The headboard and sconces remain, and I love subtle mix of patterns on the bed.

Daughter's room, Before: The girls' bedroom was sweet, but not overly so. I love the mix of feminine florals and mis-matched furniture.

Daughter's room, After: She has definitely grown up! I believe the girls are nearing their preteen years, and this room reflects that.

I've loved seeing this transformation -- it's as if the house has grown up with the family. As I am still making decisions on our first house, it gives me hope that even a designer has to start somewhere (where those Ikea chairs in the dining room?) and that upgrades can be made as you go. Even if Cottage Living has already knocked on your door!

Office to Guest Bedroom, Part 1: The Closet

2010-08-26T13:32:00.008-05:00

In the process of making the guest bedroom the baby's room, we had to deal with the office. Since we were consolidating the two rooms, these were the priorities:

1. Closet space and a dresser for Wes. Our bedroom has a single closet. It's just not happening.

2. A place for guests to sleep. We have family and friends out of town so this is essential.

3. A smaller desk area. We made a skirted desk not long ago, but there wasn't room to keep it and bring in the bed. Admittedly, the desk didn't get much use, but we still needed a dedicated bill-paying station and a spot for our laptop (other than the dining room table).

First up was the closet. Wes has been using it, so it got a good clean-out, a fresh paint job, and a better arrangement to accommodate some of the things that were in the desk and elsewhere in the room.

We swapped a small, low dresser for the one that was in the guest bedroom. The small dresser is finding a new home at my sister's house.

The closet needed doors, and since we put the dresser in front of it, there wasn't really space for anything but a curtain. I made a simple one out of a drop cloth from Lowe's ($9.48) and a tension rod from Target ($3). I still haven't mastered my sewing machine so I just used iron-on hem tape.

On the wall that used to host the small dresser (the larger one couldn't go there with the bed in the room), I finally hung the warbler prints I've had for a few months. The frames are simple ones from Target ($16.99 each) that I painted with leftover trim paint (Bennington Gray by Benjamin Moore).

Inspired by: Green and Yellow

2010-08-24T09:03:00.003-05:00

I'm usually a neutral girl, but lately the combination of green and yellow, in various forms, has been catching my eye.

Photos: Cote Maison via Oh Happy Day, Veranda, via Simply Seleta (I think), via Little Big House, Lynn Karlin Photo.

Day 1147's pretty

2010-08-20T11:15:00.003-05:00

It's actually kind of dark and rainy here today, and I think we finally broke our streak of 90-degree days yesterday (the streak was 45 days long, in case you are wondering!). I kind of hate to be using the f-word already, but this quiet, foggy morning is making me ready for, you know, that other season. So I'll be indoors today (it is still 89 degrees, after all) wrapping up a few things to share with you next week!

Happy Weekend!

Photo via suziebeezie.

Check us out on MyHomeIdeas.com!

2010-08-18T19:50:00.004-05:00

We are delighted to be featured on MyHomeIdeas.com in the Blogger Bookmarks series!

Check us out here, where I dish about paint colors I've had my eye on, the candle scent I can't live without, and the chore I despise! Big, big thanks to my friends at MyHomeIdeas!

Summer Break is Over

2010-08-17T13:33:00.005-05:00

I didn't intentionally take a summer break from the blog, but I may as well have! Now that I am back from a week on the beautiful Gulf Coast (not a drop of oil in sight!) I feel like it's back to school time, and thus, time for a better routine, which will again include blogging.

But my break wasn't all fun and games. One afternoon I walked outside to find a huge tree had fallen through our fence in the backyard. The tree was dead and it only took out one section of the fence, so after a day with the chainsaw and leftover boards (and lots of water deliveries from me), Wes had the backyard as good as new.

We've also been busy making room for baby. I'm a few days shy of the half-way point and starting to feel like it's time to see some progress. I've gotten three of our five closets cleaned out, and we rearranged and got rid of some furniture this weekend. And, of course, we've added some, like this flea-mall high chair, which I've added to my needs-a-paint-job list. More to come on these projects!

The Truth About Open Shelves

2010-08-05T09:26:00.005-05:00

I see more and more kitchens with open shelves in place of upper cabinets, and every time I post one, I get e-mails and comments asking about their practicality. Here is what two bloggers, who have each chosen shelves instead of cabinets, have to say.

Trina, A Country Farmhouse: "We're quite happy with our decision to do open shelving rather than upper cabinets. We really like the ease of reaching for our everyday plates, glasses, mugs, and bowls but more than that, we really like the look of them. I think the open shelving allows for so many possibilities decorating-wise. This blank canvas allows us to create a different feel to the kitchen based on the season and/or our mood. The open shelves also make our small kitchen feel so much more open and spacious!"

I just adore Trina's kitchen. She has such a great eye for finding beautiful things, and better than that she actually uses all of them! So inspiring.

Lauren, Pure Style Home: "I LOVE my open shelving in the kitchen. They're so practical: I can see everything at a glance, grab it quickly, and emptying the dishwasher is so much easier. Guests feel at home because they can help themselves. People always ask me about dust and it's not really an issue for us because we use almost all of what's up there on a daily basis. For those occasional pieces that we don't use regularly, I just wash them off before use and it's really no big deal. I'm an open shelf convert and won't be going back."

I also love what Lauren and her handy husband Dave did in their kitchen. Rather than a total remodel, they put in new floors (which were also put down in adjoining rooms), painted the bottom cabinets, pulled down the upper cabinets, and put up beaded board and installed shelves. What was a dark and suburban builder-basic kitchen is now bright, beautiful and - best of all - personal.

I think the moral of this story is that if you love the look, go for it! Even if you aren't ready/willing to forgo upper cabinets completely, try taking the doors off a few of them and painting inside (I did that recently and love it).

Photos: via The City Sage, Trina, Lauren, and Cote de Texas.

Day 1126's pretty

2010-07-30T09:00:00.004-05:00

Whew, it's going to be another hot weekend. Good thing we have plenty of indoor projects to keep us busy and well, indoors. What are you up to this weekend?

Happy Weekend!

Photo: oh, hello friend via pink wallpaper.

Country Home: Back From the Dead?

2010-07-29T11:33:00.004-05:00

I was surprised a few days ago to see a new issue of Country Home on the newsstand at my grocery store. I flipped through it while I was awaiting my turn in line and immediately tossed it in my cart (before realizing it was $12 ... but hey, no advertising to get in the way!). After I got home I did some investigating and found out that it is a special interest publication (most magazines produce them from time to time) by Meredith and it looks like there will be another one in the fall. If you have a little country-farmhouse in you like I do, I think you'll agree that it's a good one!

Sorry about the photos of photos ... scanner is on the fritz.

A Last Look at the Guest Bedroom

2010-07-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

When I painted and decorated the guest bedroom last summer, I had in my head that it was temporary since we always planned to turn that room into the nursery. We didn't, however, expect to be doing so quite so soon. So, I'm a little sad to see it go. Especially now that I have this fabulous new-to-me lamp that really pulls it all together!

I can't take any credit at all for this Craig's List gem, as it was Joi who spotted it and included it in her Minneapolis round-up. I feel in lust immediately and e-mailed the seller to see if he was interested in shipping it to Alabama. Obviously, he was, and it is now happily at home under a yard sale shade I picked up for a $1 last summer (I knew I would eventually use it!).

The rest of the room is looking a little scary. The 10-inch square recessed light fixture is gone, thankfully, and the patch it required is joined by an even bigger patch -- a casualty of my paranoia about the "water spot" you see on right. Oh well, we were going to have to paint the ceiling anyway!

The room is also home to Random Pink Thrift Store Chair (under $30!), which will hopefully become Beautiful Nursery Chair sometime in the next 6 months.

Pretty New Orleans Cottage

2010-07-20T12:50:00.008-05:00

No less than four of my friends have taken trips to New Orleans in the last month or so. Their fun vacays got me thinking about how much I liked this Cottage Living Idea House. The traditional shotgun-style house was built to fit right in to this historical neighborhood.

Designed by Ann and Jane Dupuy, the front door opens into a parlor lined with bookcases.

The room's pretty monochromatic scheme sets the tone for the first floor.

I've always loved the simple desk area.

Further in, the kitchen has iconic cottage details like beaded board and bin pull cabinet hardware.

But the real show-stopper is the barn door over the pantry and the chalkboard-painted wall.

The powder room is dressed up with a pretty mirror and a wall-mounted faucet.

Nearby, an office nook is no doubt the home's command center.

Along the back of the house, the living and dining rooms have horizontal planking and French doors. The gas lanterns are a nod to the Crescent City.

I also the the simple, but well-appointed dining room. New Orleans design has a reputation for being over-the-top, so I love this more clean interpretation.

The French doors open to a wonderful back porch overlooking the courtyard garden.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is swathed appropriately in French blue and outfitted with Leontine Linens, of course!

And what's not to love about a wallpapered walk-in closet!

Photos are by Robbie Caponetto and Roger Foley.

Our New Normal

2010-07-19T17:27:00.005-05:00

Hello? Anyone still out there? I'm joining you today (finally) from my new normal. That is, life outside the corporate office. I have more to say about than I can put into words at this moment, but the short of it is that my position was eliminated, and thus, so was I. It was sad in a lot of ways and happy in a lot of others, but mostly, it is strange.

Last week was my first week at home, but it was filled with out-of-town visitors, a day trip to Atlanta, and then heading out of town for a wedding. I had hoped to blog as business as usual, but as you may have noticed, that didn't happen (or even close to it!). So today was my first real day off the job, and let's just say, I was bored at 9:30 a.m. This will definitely take some getting used to, but I think that once I get my computer files in order and establish a loose routine I will be back in action, on the blog at least.

I'm not looking for anything full time for a couple of reasons (this being the main one) but I am looking to get a few things going from home in the 6 months we have until the arrival of Baby Bonds. I'll be sure to share more details as things get ironed out, but I look forward to having you all along for the journey!

In the meantime, I have quite the list of home projects to be completed A. while I have the time and B. before they become physically impossible. Some will be fun (nursery!) and I will be happy to have some good material for you again. Others, like painting and touching up trim, will simply be crossed of the list and never spoken of again.

Photos: various sources via Pink Wallpaper, because all of mine are in captivity on our external hard drive!

More Than a Great Entry

2010-07-08T10:48:00.004-05:00

If you loved Julie's entry from this post, you will l-o-v-e the rest of her house. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that appeals to me so much, but I think it's that it's filled with her and her family's favorite things. I get the feeling that she chooses things not because of pedigree or popularity, but because she loves them and they make her life better in some way (even if that is just by being pretty). And really, is there any other way to do it?!

And don't even get me started on the bathrooms. They are full of my favorite things: subway tile with dark grout, wood planking, a blue ceiling, and that Anthro shower curtain I've had my eye on for years.

PS - sorry I've been so out of the loop lately. I think I've turned a corner with the pregnancy and am feeling almost human again. Here's to hoping the inspiration will be flowing soon, and thank you, thank you for sticking with me!

The Kitchen to End All Kitchens

2010-07-06T12:52:00.003-05:00

Are you reading Rachel at Nest Egg? Well, you should be. Her designs are some of the most unique and interesting in the blogosphere, me thinks. Case in point: this beyond-fabulous kitchen renovation!

Day 1097's pretty and a thank you

2010-07-02T09:07:00.002-05:00

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend! The 4th of July is one of my favorites -- I need to decide how to use my little American flags on toothpicks! Cupcakes, perhaps? And of course Old Glory is flying from our front porch.

We also want to extend our deep, deep gratitude for all the kind words and encouragement about our news. We can't wait to share our journey with you!

Happy Weekend!

Photos: Country Living, Rifle Paper Co.

Today ...

2010-06-30T16:30:00.004-05:00

Today is our third wedding anniversary. It's been an especially great day because ...

... we got to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time! Yup, we'll be raising more than just animals soon after the new year!

Photos: Sweet Paul, Jose Villa.

Bathroom Decorating Styles

2010-06-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

If money were no object for your bathroom renovation, which direction would you go? Vintage, cottage charm?

Girly and glamorous?

Cool and eclectic (plus a mirror)?

Sleek and shiny?

Or perhaps a little of all of the above? Myself, I usually lean very vintage-cottage, but all of the above is looking quite lovely today.

Photos: Heather Chadduck in Coastal Living, Southern Accents Riverhills Showhouse, Jill Brinson, Pheobe Howard, Angie Hranowsky in Coastal Living.

Day 1090's pretty

2010-06-25T10:44:00.002-05:00

I love this summery composition from Red Door Antiques. I have one sea fan and two pieces of coral (one resin, one actually found on a beach) and I need to put them out before the season passes me by. My latest J.Crew catalog is already talking about transitioning to fall, sheesh!

Happy Weekend!

Entry Envy

2010-06-23T14:43:00.004-05:00

Our little house has major entry issues. Mainly, the lack of one. The front door opens into the living room, the back door opens into the kitchen, and neither space has the spot for the "command center" we could really use. Just a place to hide dirty work boots and pile of mail would be an improvement! In my mind, these three ladies and their functional and cute entries have it made.

Julie of Milk and Honey Home is new to the blogosphere (thanks for the introduction, Sissy), but her blog is fast becoming one of my favorites. Her home is decorated in such a personal and fun way, it's hard not to love it. The cheerful green door (Georgian Green by Benjamin Moore) and beautiful wallpaper (from Home Depot!) give it personality but I'm thinking that those baskets under the console could hide a multitude of sins. And of course, the lighting and mirror are fabulous as well.

Paula from Two Ellie shared her updated entry earlier today, and again I was struck by how functional and attractive it is. Even a total pile looks great in a cute metal basket!

And Seleta's foyer really takes the cake. I can only imagine the amount of stuff that a busy household with four kiddos generates, but it looks like she's got it under control. She had her cabinet-maker put together the shelf and bench when he did her kitchen, and the hanging files came from the Ballard Designs outlet. You can find more of the sources for the smaller items on her blog.

So thanks, ladies! You have inspired me to come up with something to do about our mail-and-shoe mess.

Look for Less: Lotus Flower Chandelier

2010-06-22T11:37:00.004-05:00

I've been mulling over light fixtures for our bedroom. I'd love something vintage, but my usual local haunts haven't been coming up with much! Today I landed on Viva Terra's Lotus Flower chandelier, which has long been a favorite of mine, but it's a little spendy (even the small size) for this project. Thankfully, a quick internet search found this version at half the price!

Day 1083's pretty

2010-06-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Living in the South, I do not consider June a spring month, but a summer one. It has definitely felt like summer for ... quite a while. And the Queen Anne's Lace are in full bloom, too. But after this weekend it's officially summer, hooray!

Happy Weekend!

Photo: New Farmhouse Style.

The Rest of That House

2010-06-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Shannon reminded me on Tuesday that the rest of the house that belongs with the kitchen with the green floor is pretty great (there has to be a better way to say that!).

I love how the green kitchen floor is picked up in the curtains and chairs in the adjoining dining room.

And on into the living room, which is essentially the same space.

Most of the green in concentrated in the middle (the dining room) and then the color is sort eased off in the living area and kitchen. This is a great way to make a large open space feel cohesive without going crazy with just one color.

I adore this washstand in what I presume is the powder room. I stalked one in an antique store for a few months but never quite felt the need to bring it home. It sure was cute though!

This house is also home to the bedroom curtains I posted about not long ago.

Photos: Melissa Ervin Interior Design.

Inspired by: Black Botanical Posters

2010-06-15T08:52:00.004-05:00

Jenny posted about black botanical posters a few weeks ago, and I've been meaning to share I great source I found through Nicole. The Evolution Store's scientific German educational charts were illustrated during the 1950's and 60's and are available in two sizes. I especially like Dog Rose and Apple Blossom (below).

Top photo: Melissa Ervin Interior Design.

Day 1077's event

2010-06-11T10:54:00.002-05:00

If you're in the Southeast and looking for something to do this weekend, there is a great event happening in Chattanooga, Tennessee (easy driving distance from Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, and Greenville, South Carolina). Crafted by Southern Hands is celebrating Southern innovators like Alabama Chanin, Billy Reid, Blackberry Farm and Yee-Haw Industries at Warehouse Row. Personally, I'm pretty excited about Blackberry Farm's Sam Beall's cooking demonstration on Saturday afternoon (you're not surprised, are you?).

Happy Weekend!

If I had to ...

2010-06-10T11:52:00.003-05:00

... describe my style in one photo, this might be it. Vintage furniture that has been redone, pretty lighting, and a few simple things that I love on the table. Yup, I think that pretty much says it!

Okay Fine, I Like Color

2010-06-09T11:45:00.002-05:00

I used to claim to prefer neutrals, but the truth is -- and as you may have noticed yesterday -- I do like color too. And I've recently come to terms with the fact that I might even need it. Who am I?

This blue cabinet is really speaking to me today!

Photo: styling by Jessica Thomas.

Colors Between Colors

2010-06-08T07:37:00.003-05:00

It's hard to say what my favorite color is, because they are sort of colors between colors. Like a blue-green-gray.

Or a teal-navy-green.

Or a gray-beige.

What is your favorite color?

Hydrangea + Cedar Shingles = Perfection

2010-06-03T10:22:00.003-05:00

It's hydrangea season, which makes me think of this wonderful house.

And that house reminds me how much I love cedar shingles.

New, or weathered to gray, they are so lovely.

Especially when paired with the Stars and Stripes. Now if that doesn't say "summer," I don't know what will!

Photos: Cottage Living, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, via Mod Girl, and unknown.

Dreaming of Blackberry Farm (Again!)

2010-06-01T11:48:00.007-05:00

June is our anniversary month and with its arrival, I can't help but think of my favorite dream anniversary destination: Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. And today in particular, the beautiful Suzanne Kasler-decorated barn.

If you're like me and won't be making the trip anytime soon, you can bring home a little bit of Blackberry by shopping the Farmstead Catalog or picking up the cookbook. Hint, hint, husband!

PS, I posted about Granny Smith Green's trip to Blackberry Farm here and here.

Day 1063's pretty

2010-05-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

The gardenia is blooming all over the grounds of my office building and the scent is intoxicating! I haven't plucked any yet, but that is on my list of things to do very soon!

Happy {long} Weekend!

Photo: Jacob Termansen Photography.

Inspired by: Putty-Colored Cabinets

2010-05-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love a bright, white kitchen as much as the next person, but I am open to things less, well, white. Especially a soft beige -- for lack of a better term -- that is still neutral and clean, but is a little more warm than white white.

There's my faucet again!

Photos: Liz Williams, Cottage Living, via Greige, and unknown.

Could I Do This?

2010-05-26T10:57:00.004-05:00

I've got curtains on my mind lately. Particularly the lack of them in our bedroom. I love these Greek key-trimmed beauties featured in Coastal Living and wonder, could I make these? I could save some cash by using a drop cloth or other inexpensive fabric, and I feel good about my box pleat-making skills after making the skirted desk. Wes could break out his carpentry skills to help me with the body of the valance, and surely my limited sewing skills could handle a trim. If not, a little hem tape would do the job.

Lewis & Sheron has a pretty and affordable Greek key trim ($12/yard).

This flat tape might be interesting ($8/yard).

But I am especially leaning toward this blue and blue geometric ($12/yard).

(Real) Bathrooms to Drool Over

2010-05-24T12:07:00.005-05:00

I love getting to peek at the projects "real" people accomplish in blog land, and have lately been drooling over Rachel's two bathroom renovations. Simply stunning!

Instead of one long vanity, she flanked a large cabinet with two pedestal sinks. I love this as I find that the bathroom counter really only attracts clutter instead of serving a purpose.

Visit Rachel at Southern Exposure for all of the wonderful details!

Day 1056's pretty

2010-05-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

This is pretty random, but one of my favorite times to be in my house is during an afternoon rain shower, with all of the lights turned off. The light is so quiet and pretty, and this photo reminded me of it when I saw it on Katy Elliott a few weeks ago. Just right for napping, which I'm hoping to do a little of this weekend!

Happy Weekend!

Picture of Perfection

2010-05-20T11:17:00.003-05:00

A row of bell-jar lanterns, a blue porch ceiling, operable shutters, and an ocean view - what more can you ask for?? Maybe a steaming cup of coffee to help take it all in.

Photo.

May Backyard Progress

2010-05-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

In addition to our deck, we've been sprucing up a little spot of the backyard. Our house only opens to the yard from the kitchen into the carport, so we moved the fence and gate into the carport (from the edge of the concrete you see here). It seemed a little strange at first, but there is still plenty of room to maneuver around a car, and it's nice to be able to leave the back door open when we are in and out without fear that Maddie will escape.

We also planted a little sod, moved three hydrangea to the inside of the fence (and added a fourth) and planted a few hosta. This part of the yard gets basically no sun, which is nice when sitting on the deck, but makes flower-planting challenging.

Still left to do here: add some stepping stones to the deck and the stairs that lead down into the yard, plant a few more shade-friendly plants (impatiens and ferns), and replace the top of the cinder-block wall with more attractive brick (which we dug out of various places in the yard). Oh, and finish the deck railing, but I'm still in no hurry for that.

I had lofty dreams of a small garden, but we really don't get enough sun for that (boo!). But my little herb garden -- planted in a galvanized tub we drilled holes in and placed in the sun in the middle of the deck -- is doing beautifully! I think it's about time to eat some basil.

They hydrangeas seem to like their new spot, as the fence shades them from the hot afternoon sun. They don't have quite as many buds as I'd hoped -- perhaps they need a good feeding?

The new set-up with the fence makes outdoor-dog washing a breeze! My bathroom drain and I are very thankful, as this girl is one hairy beast. I think I might have to get over my vanity and shave her this summer! Eeek.

For a dog who loves to swim, she sure does hate getting a bath. Here she is expressing her displeasure at being photographed instead of toweled off, brought inside, and given a treat for decent bathtime behavior.

Perfectly Imperfect

2010-05-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

One of the last projects my mom and I tackled in our Tennessee house was the hall bathroom. What was supposed to be a quick fix (taking down the wallpaper and painting) turned into a much bigger ordeal, of course! After stripping the wallpaper (the bottom layers of which were affixed directly onto very, very old sheetrock), the walls were a total mess. We ended up putting a texture under the paint to disguise the disaster, but this homeowner decided to leave the beautiful mess exposed.

When guests ask how to get a similar wall treatment, he says to put up several layers of wallpaper, wait 50 years, and then peel it off. You really just can't fake a good patina, can you?

Photos: Martha Stewart Living.

Day 1049's pretty

2010-05-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

There just isn't much that's prettier than old ironstone on a shelf, now is there?

Happy Weekend!

Photo: Lerkenfeldt Photography.

Two Are Better Than One

2010-05-12T10:09:00.005-05:00

Photos: Good Bones, Great Pieces; Grace Happens; Urban Grace.

Simple and Beautiful (and smells nice, too)

2010-05-11T09:42:00.003-05:00

I picked up a bunch (okay fine, two bunches) of peonies at Whole Foods last week and have so enjoyed them! They smell divine and look better as the frilly flowers fade. Makes me wonder why exactly I haven't planted any of my own.

I also snipped a Magnolia bud from a nearby tree. I knew it wouldn't last long, so I got it before it opened on Friday (it was brown by Monday morning -- they also shed like crazy, as you can see). The soft white petals and waxy green leaves are impossible for me to resist!

Southern Magnolias are one of my favorite blooms and they also smell woooooonderful. The sweet scent instantly reminds me of my childhood and the hours upon hours my sisters and I spent climbing the huge trees in front of my dad's office after school.

Day 1042's pretty

2010-05-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our backyard was basically a blank slate (with a crumbling retaining wall) when we moved in, and we've slowly been taking it back from nature and restoring a little order. But we still have ways to go. I think this bench would really help, don't you?

Happy Weekend!

Crystal + Farm Table

2010-05-06T14:29:00.005-05:00

I'm not really a crystal-chandelier type of girl. They're lovely, but I just don't see them in my house. However, when paired with a farm table or something equally casual, they are just right.

Photos: via A Country Farmhouse, House & Garden, unknown, Coastal Living, and unknown.

Inspiration from Elsewhere

2010-05-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling a tad uninspired lately. In the blog world, at least. Luckily, several of you have been picking up my slack! Here's what I've loved the last few days ...

Stan Dixon's inspiring Atlanta office, as seen in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. I spotted it at Greige via Doug's twitter feed (talk about a rabbit trail).

This pretty home from Connecticut Cottage and Garden on Everything LEB. Simple, pretty, and interesting. Love it (above and below).

Rebecca posted another rockin' Atlanta office from AH&L: Suzanne Kasler's. Not that this is surprising, but, wow! Where can I send my resume?? (just kidding!)

And finally, this home from Country Home magazine circa 2005 via Greige. Anyone else notice a major color theme?

Yes, it's all pretty pictures around here, but my heart is heavy for the people of Nashville who have been affected by the weekend's floods. It's bad. Much of the city is still underwater. If you want to help, you can donate $10 by texting "RedCross" to 90999 (thanks Lindsay, for that info). Locals can find hands-on opportunities here.

A Nice Place to Sit

2010-05-03T10:25:00.004-05:00

Time has been flying by the last few weeks, and summer will surely be here before we know it.

Wouldn't it be nice to slow down for a few hours, every now and then? To do it in this lovely room would be such a treat. It looks like time is standing still ...

Photo: design by Christopher Maya.

Help Me Find Mirror

2010-04-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

I have decided that I "need" a small-ish round mirror over our four-poster bed. There are two egg prints there now, but it's a few too many right angles and I'm thinking of moving them. I don't think I want a sunburst (I think I'm at capacity with three in the house), but maybe a small convex? The one in my mind would have an iron frame, like the one in my dining room. So if this one were round and not oval, it would be perfect! Anyone seen this mirror?

Photo: Kelly Proxmire.

Lanterns in Bedrooms

2010-04-27T08:26:00.003-05:00

I adore the lantern in our dining room, and have given it a spot on the short list of things I will want to grab should our house catch on fire. (It's morbid to have such a list, I know.) It's definitely coming with us to our next house, where the trouble will be choosing a room to put it in. Over a small dining table? Yes. Living room? Yes. Bedroom? Also, yes!

Photos: Mary Evelyn Interiors as seen in Southern Accents; Anne Coyle Interiors, photographed by Robbie Caponetto for Cottage Living; unknown source via Little Green Notebook; photographed by Roger Davies for Cottage Living; unknown source via Cote de Texas.