Orange

Neutral colors are really my thing, but these flecks of orange are really helping a girl out today. The orange is a reminder of my trip to Miami earlier this week (I'll do a post on the fun details soon). It also energizes me a bit, which is great because today is my first day back to work in almost two weeks! Yikes!

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On Display

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I mentioned here that I just finished a photography 101 class. Since the class ended, I have been snapping pictures like crazy! I need to have lots of them framed and displayed and want to find some creative ways to do so. I searched the mags and blogs and found some great inspiration. I'm over at my friend Dana's photography blog, Love Life Travel talking about what I found! So stop by!

Photography + Fashion: Dustjacket Attic

One of the best parts of my vacation has been having the time to read blogs and find new ones. I found so many good ones! I have a new love and respect for photography and fashion has always been my friend, so I have fallen in love with Dustjacket Attic. It's a gorgeous blog that highlights high fashion photography. Looking at this blog is like looking at a little issue of Vogue- except it's published daily instead of monthly. Winner... Here are a few of my favorite pics that have been featured...

Gorgeous right??!! And that is a very short preview of the beautiful photos that are featured! This blog is done by DJ and I think she does a great job finding the perfect pics to feature. Stop by her blog to see the photo credits and more pics!

Just Some Thoughts...

Hi there! Well, I thought I wasn't going to be back tomorrow, but I had some downtime over the weekend. My mind is clear and I am rested. I spent some of my downtime thinking about my past, my present, and certainly my future. I thought about the things I like, things I need to work on and change, and things I want to achieve. Some things are big and some things are small. Some things are serious and some are not. I found these quotes on Pinterest. They captured some of my thoughts to a "t"...

I stress myself out sometimes trying to make sure everything is perfect. Grace is way more important.

My thought here is that sometimes I need to step out of my comfort zone and not worry about what will happen if stepping out turns out to be a disaster. As long as I am being true to myself , then the rest will take care of itself.  



 I need to go to iPhone rehab! If there were such thing as one, I would consider signing up. I spend  WAY too much time on it. I don't think that is a good thing... I need to work on that. Can any of you relate?



  

Today I have my health. Today I have my family and friends. Today I have a job. Today I am happy. Today I am thankful.

I'll be back to my regular scheduled programming tomorrow, but today I wanted to get these thoughts down on "paper."  Happy Monday!

xo,



A Staycation

Happy Friday! I usually count down the days until Friday, but this week has been different. I have been on vacation all week and it has been quite blissful. It has been somewhat of a "staycation." I spent the first half of the week visiting my family in Alabama and the last half relaxing at home. My goal was to focus only on doing the things I love- no stress, no schedules. I did things like...

Raid Anthropologie. I got some really cute tops that were on sale and some dresses that were not. Oh well- I really loved them. And I FINALLY got the Farmers Egg Crate!

I've been wanting that crate for forever. I'll show ya my outfits in the near future...

I made this organic fruit salad to munch on during my time at home. Incredibly fresh and delicious...

I arranged these tea roses for my nightstand. I buy flowers for myself all the time. Ain't no shame in my game! Flowers just make me happy, so I try to keep them around.

And of course I am spending some quality time with my child! I have never known a cat who loves to take photos as much as he does...

My vacation will continue into next week (I'm smiling). I'm not on any kind of schedule so I may or may not be back until Tuesday. I actually love the fact that I have no idea... 

Have a fabulous weekend...

Images by me

Perfection



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Tailored White Suit

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Marc Jacobs Quilted Tote

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Simple Jewels

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Red Manicure

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Perfection

Noble Passage Interiors

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending some good quality time in Alabama with my mom. We always have the BEST time when we are together. She's like day and I'm like night, but I think that's what makes our relationship so special. We spent all day going hopping around town and going in and out of various stores. During our outing, we stumbled upon Noble Passage Interiors, a cute little interior design boutique nestled in downtown Madison, Alabama. They had some gorgeous items that I just have to share with you...

I fell in love with this whole arrangement. I loved the neutral tones and the large nailheads on the sofa. I love anything with nailheads. So classic... 

And do you see that stunning floor lamp off to the side??

I've never seen anything like that before. So unique. I think it could work in a traditional or modern setting. The owner purchased it at High Point Market and it can be yours for $1,495. I need to buy a lottery ticket ASAP...

It's very rare that mom and I like the same decor, but we both fell in love with this old factory fabric cart turned coffee table.  Unique, rustic, warm- love it. 

I loved their sunburst mirrors, too...

This sunburst mirror is made of recycled magazines. I think this would be a great DIY project. I've certainly got the magazines. If only I had the time and the patience...

More nailhead action on this beautiful cedar-lined ottoman. Loving the fabric...

The last thing I saw were these adorable tea towels. I really wanted them. Window shopping is no fun sometimes... 

You can visit their Facebook page to view more of their beautiful items! I really hope to win the lottery...

Images courtesy of Noble Passage Interiors

High/Low: Beach Style

Happy first day of summer friends! I guess it's official today, but if I was in charge I would have declared summer back in May! It's HOT! Anyway, in honor of the first day of summer, I thought it would be fitting to feature this "High/Low." This space reminds me of the beach, a place that is weighing heavily on my mind right now. I really want to be there. I'm really loving the wall decor and the pictures on the lampshade- cute idea. The white floors are quite fabulous, too...

One of these spaces is about $6,500 more than the other. Can you guess which one??

You can find the answer here. The answer might be obvious, but this is proof that great style can be achieved for less! Be sure to tell me how you did! Which space do you like better?

P.S. This space has been featured on Style At Home for a while now, so forgive me if you have already seen it!

Organized Style: Veranda Interiors

I hope you all had a good weekend! I wanted to start this week off in an organized fashion. I have mentioned a few times that I am a bit OCD, which means that I "adore" organized spaces. So I was in awe when I ran across Mel's new and highly organized pantry. She just moved into a gorgeous custom-built home that she designed along with her hubby. The pantry was the first finished space that she revealed on her beautiful blog, Veranda Interiors. I loved it so much that I had to share it with you!

I've never really thought of pantries as being "stylish," but this dreamland of organized cookbooks is quite amazing. The books not only add specks of color, but lots of style. The thick molding also adds style and height.

I'm loving these pull out baskets. They contribute warmth to the space and are perfect for organizing snacks and the "not-so-decorative" vegetables like onions and potatoes.

Everything has it's "place" in the pantry, including the microwave. I never pictured a microwave being in the pantry, but I LOVE the idea! A microwave in the pantry allows space for more important things in the kitchen like storage or more attractive appliances. The counter space in the space are perfect for food prep and for storing the "cool-looking" appliances, fruit, and serving platters. 

The final touch to this space will be new lighting. She's got this stunner of a light fixture by Visual Comfort on order...

Gosh, if all of these lovely things are in the pantry, can you imagine what the rest of her house will look like? You must check out her blog to see more of her amazing work!

Back In Business & Baggin'

Happy Friday! I am one happy girl right now because I finally have cable and internet! Someone cut my line and I have been out of commission for FOUR DAYS!!! I was about to go crazy! But I'm all better now and back in business!

Today I am over at Tam's fabulous blog, Get It Girl Style, participating in her Baggin' series! So if you want to know what I carry in my "pocketbook," then head on over and check it out!!!

Happy weekend and Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful fathers out there! I will certainly be spending some time with my dad this weekend and I can't wait!

All Natural

via Etsy

Four words... I.Love.This.Clutch. It is made of 100% natural cotton canvas fabric and is just too cute! I think I might have to have it... 

Jumping For Joy!

Lately, I have been jumping for joy (literally) over some exciting things that have happened for me lately in blogland. I have been overwhelmed with the support and love I have received from other bloggers. I knew that blogging would be fun, but I had no idea that it would be this fun. I have "met" so many wonderful people and I can't imagine not being in blogland.

So first I wanted to say thank you to some amazing people who have really made me smile by taking the time to acknowledge my blog:

Star of The Sister Sophisticate

Cristi of Charm Home

Heather of Interior Groupie

Michelle of Ten June

Star and Cristi awarded me with the One Lovely Blog Award and Heather awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award. Michelle gave me a tremendous shout-out on her blog last week. Thank you so much ladies! These ladies have some amazing blogs, so I highly encourage you to check them out! Winners of the awards must tell you 7 things about themselves. You can see my 7 things here.

In other exciting news, Chantal of Beau Lifestyle notified me last week to let me know that I won her giveaway! I won a set of Zara Home faux bamboo servers and a set of purple ikat placemats...

Cute right??!! I can't wait to get them! Chantal lives in Spain (dreamy) and has the cutest apartment EVER!! Here is a little sneak peak...

Click here to check out the rest!

Oh! And I have a new blog design! I'm super excited about that! I want to thank Ashley of Lemon & Lavender for her FABULOUS work! I absolutely loved working with her. I wanted a simple and fresh new design and she certainly delivered! Thanks so much Ashley!

xo,