pink wallpaper

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

the best feeling in the world is leaving your account's office.....
happy hump day!

*images courtesy of my style pill, delight by design, look, love, linger, access decorati, little green notebook

2012-01-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

i hope y'all had a great weekend!! my dad's b'day is wednesday so my fam came to visit us for a night and we had an early b'day celebration. we had an oyster roast, drank lots of good wine, had family game night, and laughed a ton......mostly b/c taylor picked out mustaches for us all to wear...and we really thought it was funny (well everyone but walker)!!

*images found here

2012-01-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

well hello there friday....you snuck up on me but i'm SO glad to see ya!!

*images courtesy of meg biram, is it love or just paris, jan showers

2012-01-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

racing out of the door today but here's a little something something to hold you over!! see y'all tomorrow!!!

*images from for the dream, birch and lily, barrie benson, windsor smith, ana antunes styling

2012-01-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

i feel about as motivated as the girl in the first pic......maybe it's the weather (i'm so over winter and rain) or maybe it's b/c i dread my to-do-list.....just one more cup of coffee and i swear i will be motivated (maybe).

*images courtesy of shop bop, ruby pr, lisa sherry, wit & delight

2012-01-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

right now i really loving the color blush....i painted taylor's room the palest pink/ blush and it is so calm and peaceful. i would totally paint my bedroom this color if i knew my husband wouldn't figure out it had a pink undertone!! happy rainy monday!

*images all found here

2012-01-20T07:46:00.001-08:00

i think that girl's hair is so pretty....but i mean really...who can do that?! have a fabulous weekend!!

*images courtesy of this is glamourous, porchlight interiors, inspired design, kelly wearstler, one kings lane

2012-01-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

this morning my 18 month old walked up to me and said "baby poo poo"....which translates into: i threw taylor's baby into the toilet....
and a happy thursday to you too :)

*images courtesy of sacramento street, shades of gray, tim barber ltd, pinterest

2012-01-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

our house was built in 1958 and it lacks storage, in a major way. my husband constantly gets frustrated b/c we have piles everywhere...i have to admit, i am a pile maker. i have stuff piled in lots of places: the kitchen corners tends to have phone chargers, lip gloss, pacifiers, and bananas in a nice organized pile. my desk's alway is piled w/ magazines, receipts, coffee cups, bills, etc....and toys are in every corner of living area and sunroom. so what i have discovered is that every piece of furniture that we buy, needs to offer storage so i can have a happy husband and to try hide my piles of stuff! that being said, i started thinking about built-in's on either side of our fireplace. i saw this amazing transformation w/ ikea's billy bookcases and thought that might be a great solution and cost efficient. but its all open shelving and as much as i love styled bookshelves, it doesn't really help hide things. then i spotted these beauties that are in Pieces and i was in love. i quickly sent the picture to my dad to see if he could help me and luckily he called saying that he would be able to build them for us and finger's crossed it won't break the bank! i added them to my LR and sent the pic to warren and he was definitely on board...his one request was that we didn't store pillows on them- ha!! now i am dying to get started.....

*images courtesy of centsational girl, matters of style/ pieces, me

2012-01-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

good morning!! i hope y'all had a wonderful weekend....mine was filled w/ hikes, shopping, fires at night, cooking good food, and lots of quality family time!! couldn't have asked for a better long weekend!!

2012-01-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

we're off to the mountains for a long weekend....see you next week!!

*images courtesy of tiny white daisies, takes shape slowly, my home ideas, high street market

2012-01-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

today i am going to be happy...b/c there's no reason not to be :)
last night i watched crossroads w/ zac brown band and jimmy buffet...sooo good. dad this one is for you....it totally made me happy.

*images courtesy of pink persimmon, red clay soul, skona hem

2012-01-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

does miles redd's house ever get old? i mean, LOVE it....such a perfect color combination.

*images found here

2012-01-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

this week the kids went back to school and i have to tell you my "me time" has been much appreciated...i've had a chance to blog, work, grocery shop, and cut over 40 yds of fabric and mail it....

*images courtesy of the marion house book, atlantic-pacific, martha stewart, etsy/a merry mishap

2012-01-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

for some odd reason i decide to "try" this this AM....thank goodness none of y'all were in the gym w/ me b/c you would have pointed and laughed :)

*images courtesy of wild at heart, bazaar of serendipity, decade

2012-01-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

just in case you need some motivation.....

mine was knowing that my husband was running while i tried to sleep longer in bed. it hurt but it's done.

*images courtesy of life's a journal, katie ridder, savvy home

2012-01-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

one more day before my husband goes back to work and the kids are back in school....
hope y'all enjoyed your new years and are having a wonderful start to 2012!

*images courtesy of once in a little while, gold and gray, viva full house, style essentials

2011-12-30T04:46:00.000-08:00

goodbye 2011....it's been fun!

2011-12-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

my parents took the kids for the rest of the week so i'll be hanging out like this if you need me.....
or taking down the christmas tree.....

*images found here

2011-12-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

i hope y'all have a very merry christmas.....

*images courtesy of linzie hunter and pinterest

2011-12-20T05:17:00.000-08:00

i'm off to watch taylor's christmas program...she's an angel. christmas is getting closer and i still have so much to do!!! but i am so thankful that today is the last day of school and we can lounge around in our pj's and listen to christmas music!!

2011-12-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

peace. i'm out of words this AM....
see you next week!!

*images courtesy of haute mama's faves, lilac and gray, with love from kat, pink persimmon

2011-12-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

i would be one happy camper if i could dress this well everyday.....i LOVE her outfit....

*images courtesy of sacramento street, marcus design, splendid willow, vt interiors

2011-12-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

we've got our first christmas party tonight and i've waited until the last minute to do anything for it. if you need me, i'll be making these.....have an amazing weekend!!!

*images courtesy of etsy, the girls of lincoln park, etsy, six sisters stuff

2011-12-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

last night, i was in the middle of watching really crappy reality TV and there was a commercial that came on that made me SOB....it's a pampers commercial and it has silent night in the background....have y'all seen it?!! it's a tearjerker. last year, walker was the age of the babies in the commercial. it hit me that i no longer have babies anymore. my kiddos are growing up so fast...seriously walker can say phrases like "that's cool". so this quote comes at a good time for me b/c i feel like i am running ragged at times and i need to stop and remember what is really important in life....like my kids decorating the christmas tree....even though they aren't putting the ornaments exactly where i would have :)

*images courtesy of a note on design, amber interiors

2011-12-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

i've become obsessed w/ camp blankets....i love them folded at the foot of a bed and am thinking that walker might need mr. buffalo check when it's time for him to graduate to a big boy bed.....

*images courtesy of fabulous & splendid, schoolhouse electric, elements of style, schoolhouse electric, lands end, modern hepburn

2011-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

have you ever tried to take a picture in a closet...that's what i felt like i was doing!! our house was built in 1950 and so our bathrooms are tiny!! i have no idea how photographers take pictures in bathrooms....it's impossible. but you get the idea. before my bathroom was just a painted box. there wasn't anything wrong w/ it....it just wasn't me. so over thanksgiving, i convinced my dad to stay a week and help make my bathroom pretty. now, i can officially say "it's me". we added wainscoting and that made a huge difference. it made the bathroom feel taller and brighter. it was a quick, inexpensive way to get a big impact...dad had the wood up in about 2 hours....then it was just painting (3 coats of white) that made it official. the next step was wallpapering. dad has wallpapered numerous times so i was just the assistant. it's kind of fussy work but wallpapering is one of my favorite things to add to a space! and b/c we used the wainscoting, it cut down on how much wallpaper i actually needed. the wainscoting was $115 for all the materials and then it was just the cost of the wallpaper....we used about 3 single rolls. the wallpaper is quadrille/china seas java java in navy on white. and i love her. thanks for y'alls sweet comments and a huge thanks to my dad for being the best handyman a girl could have!!

2011-11-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

my dad and i gave my bathroom a little makeover over thanksgiving.....here's a sneak peek.

2011-11-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

TODAY:
eat until your pants are too tight
laugh until your belly hurts
wrap your arms around the ones you love
and give thanks for all that you have.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

i'm kind of having a purple moment right now.....
how cute is that VW....i bet i could haul a lot of fabric in that!!

*images courtesy of pinterest, sacramento street, cute things, angie hranowsky/glam lamb, vintage home/architectural digest

2011-11-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

i've got a date with this little man this AM....we're both still under the weather. i might have a case of laryngitis. i'd love to curl up and watch a movie....walker agreed.

he always picks good night gorilla....it's the one movie i'm okay w/ him watching. it last 10 minutes and he will sit the entire time and watch it. i use this to my advantage....

i need tea....it helps the throat. i wish i had a doctor here. i probably need an antibiotic by now. i've lived here for a year but i still don't have a doc. and it never works to call when you get sick b/c they always say they aren't accepting new patients.

i feel like this picture i found at a thrift store yrs ago....i call him achoo....b/c he looks like he is about to sneeze.

i really need to clean my house. i have company coming tomorrow AM. i don't have it in me.

instead i work....walker thinks he should help....95% of the time when walker's not at school, this is how i work.

9:30 and it's time for walker to take a nap (secretly i might be doing the happy dance)....

b/c now i can curl up on the sofa w/ a blanket and read my new magazines....finger's crossed his nap last long.....

if you want something to read, lauren at the cottage mix asked me to answer some questions about how the designer's attic got started....

i hope y'all have a wonderful weekend. xoxo.

2011-11-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

we packed up and heading to the mountains last week...it was so nice to just veg and not have one thing that we had to do. we hiked and cooked and sat by the fire at night....it was just what the doctor ordered. and then it was time to return to the real world: i came back w/ a cold, a suitcases full of dirty clothes, a pile of emails and work that i couldn't do b/c my ipad didn't have service (so if you are waiting for an email from me, it's coming!!)...happy monday, right?!!

*images courtesy of middle child complex, lisa sherry interieurs, natty by design, atlanta home mag

2011-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

hello....i just had a coffee date w/ a good friend and it's so nice to take an hour out of the hustle and bustle of being a mom/ having a career to enjoy some good old girl time. every girl needs that...so go do it!! it will make your hump day that much better :)

*images courtesy of belle of the ball, haute mama's favorites, haute indoor couture

2011-11-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

it's monday...i think we all might agree w/ those words of wisdom.

*images courtesy of velasquez, style essentials, coco + kelley, this is glamorous

2011-11-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

TGIF!! it's overcast and cold here and that makes me want to bundle up and drink lots of coffee....i hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!! xo!

*images courtesy of sunday in bed, nine and sixteen, the vintage parlor

2011-11-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

i'm a girlie girl.....and these pics make me happy on this hump day!! btw, i totally spy two items i would love for christmas: that bracelet is just the perfect amount of pink and those ice cream spoons...don't you think it would make eating ice cream even that much more enjoyable!!

*images courtesy of fifi cheek, ravel, style essentials, sunday in bed, and george, beach house living

2011-10-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

do y'all feel like you have been celebrating halloween for a long time.....we have had several halloween things and i must say, i'm kind of glad it's finally halloween and today will be the last time the kiddos dress up and get more candy!! last night, we had a neighborhood party and i was going to make some mummy cookies but i seriously think that every mom in SC is on pinterest and pinned the same recipe and the nutter butters were sold out! only cookie at publix missing! i was shocked and disappointed b/c i thought that was such a cute, easy way to be crafty!! i hope y'all have a wonderful halloween!!! i'm off to pass out candy at taylor's school!

*all images are on my pinterest (sorry i am running last this am)

2011-10-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

seriously this blog is such a good place for me to come and daydream.....b/c my real life is so polar opposite. it's not the easiest being a mom that works from home (and sometimes i get jealous of my husband as he leaves for work). my youngest is going through a stage...a stage we don't remember w/ taylor. he's very needy, he gets mad, and yes- he might hit (i said it....usually just me though...but sometimes others). trying to send emails w/ a child that is crying next to you is not that luxurious...and i guarantee you i don't look glamourous when i am answering phone calls....i'm probably mouthing to my 4 yr old that i am on the phone and she has to wait to talk, wiping my child's nose, getting someone a sippy cup, or shutting myself in the bathroom so i can carry on an adult conversation.....either way, i love being a mom and i am thankful to have this blog as a way to daydream:) thank y'all so much for still coming to visit....i am so glad to have you in my life! xo- shannon

*images courtesy of dust jacket attic, bella momma, crush cul de sac, life in grace

2011-10-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

so i have to admit, it's really hard for me to cook during the week. i feel like i always make the same things over and over again. i need meals that are good, that the kids will eat, that are semi healthy, and that don't take a lot of time preparing....so i am cooking out of my crock pot all week. last night i made the best soup....you should try it (it's totally not healthy but oh, so good). the only bad thing about cooking out of the crock pot is that you have to start thinking about dinner at breakfast....like right now, i just got done searing a roast...and i'm not really in the mood to touch red meat at 9:00 in the morning.....

*images courtesy of heart lipstick and heels, la dolfina, annsley interiors, seesaw design

2011-10-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

so i REALLY want someone to get this fabulous wallpaper.....it's vintage from this etsy gal....i seriously debated forever about buying it but i really don't have a great place for it. it's so cool....

*images all found on my pinterest (pinterest is acting up so i can't get my links)

2011-10-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

my kiddos got up at 5:15 today....i might need an inspirational quote to get me through this day......this one seems pretty good :)

*images courtesy of hearts at a carnival, house of turquoise , middle child complex, one kings lane

san fran

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

in case you can't tell, i went to san francisco....and obviously i had a blast eating and drinking my way through the entire city!! i cannot thank y'all enough for leaving me comments on what to do while i was there. i seriously took advice from everyone.....in case you don't believe me:
callie- i loved cow hollow and alcatraz was so cool, loved the audio tour
brittanie- i totally took your advice and made sure to eat susie cakes and pepples organic doughnut...i got salted cameral and man was it awesome!!
laura- i could live in the ferry building...and i did....i think i ate their 4x's....loved mission st- la taqueria and san jose were amazing...definitely authentic mexican vs. what we are use to here!
lizzy- went to every street you listed: filmore, chestnut, union....had a blast peeking in the small boutiques
megan- you know we had to go to wine country....although didn't do the marathon to get there :) but enjoyed those wine tasting a lot!!
kasey- tartine- HELLO!! fabulous!
teryl- i have to hand it to you- lunch at la boulange was the best ever....and the atmosphere was so inspiring!!
kelley p- again, can't say enough about the alcatraz tour (wish it hadn't rained on us but it made it fun) and chinatown was a great place to eat and get good gifts to take back for the kids
andi- all i can say is that "crossroads" is the BEST store ever....why can't i have one here? seriously, best deals on major clothing labels...i had to set a limit or i would have bought the whole store!
caroline- so excited we made it to the farmer's market at the ferry building on sat. AM- it was the best meal we had all week....we had lox w/ cream cheese, dirty girl tomato, and it came on acme sourdough bread-OMG my mouth is watering...and of course i had to get a blue bottle dip coffee (in fact, i think i got one everyday)
i swear we did other things besides eat and drink- i hiked up to coit tower, ran up lombard street (and almost died from the hills), went to fisherman's wharf/ ghiradelli square, got a muni pass and road the cable cars (and all other public transportation...so proud of myself for figuring it out), went to beach blanket babylon, went to a book reading at city lights, rented a car and drove on route 1 and the golden gate bridge, toured vineyards, and mostly walked all over the city just taking it in.....i can't say enough about my experience. i have to say a huge thank you to my brother for inviting me to tag along on his work trip. colin, it was a true blast and one i will remember/ cherish forever!! thank you.....

2011-10-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

i swear i'm alive and haven't abandoned this blog!! i have been gone FOREVER but i have to say, i had an amazing, amazing trip to San Fran. i am working on a real post (but have a meeting in an hour so i can't get it up in time)....so here is a little pic from our trip: the first one was taken 25 yrs ago when our parents took my brother and i to san francisco for a vacation, the 2nd one was taken at the same place, Sam Woo in Chinatown last week....we've aged a little, and thankfully given up the lovely running jackets and white tennis shoes :) be back soon, i promise!!!

2011-10-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

dear hubbie, mom, dad, gayle, warren, and kiddos -
thanks so much for all the effort y'all have put in so i can go off and enjoy an adventure w/ my brother in San Francisco (the last time we were there was when i was in second grade)!! you don't know how much it means to me!! xoxo!
see y'all next week!!!

*the designer's attic will still be up and going....

2011-09-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

i've finally gotten off my butt and started working on some things around the house....latest addition, a bedskirt to match tay's headboard....that fabric still totally makes my heart skip a beat!
ps. if anyone is local and needs pillows whipped up, i've got a great lady for you...email me!
pss. my chiang mai pillows were created by this super fab gal...her pillows are amazing!!

*all images are from me

2011-09-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

help please!!! next week I am heading to San Francisco for a little trip...i'm tagging along w/ my brother b/c he has a conference there. I have no agenda but would love any tips on what i should do...cool shops, antique/thrift spots, good food, a tour i should check out, anything you would like to offer, i'd love it!! btw, did you see this amazing dinner party....how freaking cool!!!!

*image courtesy of oh happy day

2011-09-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

insane cuteness here.

*all images courtesy of rifle paper

2011-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

today my kids woke up at 5:00 in the morning....i walked half asleep to the LR, pull out a massive basket of toys, got milk for the kiddos, and plopped on the floor....i figured i needed something to help me face the day so i turned on adele unplugged that i recorded last night. that girl has insane passion and her voice give me chills....it worked, she totally woke me up and put me in a good mood...i recommend you try it :)

*images all can be found on my pinterest

2011-09-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

i seriously am always inspired by people's DIY projects and when i saw this one that alison helped with, i instantly fell in love!! it totally makes me what to find a way to put it in my house!!

*images courtesy of bloom, houzz, pinterest, my little happy place

2011-09-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

this morning when i met up w/ my friend to run, she laughed b/c i decked out in long pants and a long shelve shirt....it was cold though...yay, for fall finally starting to appear!! hope y'all have an amazing weekend!!

*images courtesy of pinterest/tumblr, pinterest, and george

2011-09-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

dear ice cream,
i'm cheating on you w/ a banana.

*images courtesy of pink persimmon, the kitchn, everyday musing

2011-09-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

i couldn't be happier that today is friday!! it is grandparents day at taylor's school so it was nice to have a quick visit from my parents. and tonight, taylor plays soccer for the first time ever- should be interesting (she's quite prissy...let's hope she can kick the ball)....i'm nervous, my hubbie couldn't be more excited! i hope y'all have fun plans for the weekend!! see you next week!

*images courtesy of traditional home, my sweet savannah, little moth design

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

yes, to lots of light.
yes, to lucite shelving.
yes, to vintage chandeliers.

2011-09-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

i'm feeling a little under the weather today.....hope to be back tomorrow w/ more pep in my step.

*image courtesy of splenid willow avenue/ little moth

2011-09-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

my dad told me i used the word "obsessed" too much....i've got to give it to the guy, i do....i'm trying better to expand my vocabulary...but in this situation, i've just gotta to say it- i'm OBSESSED w/ brass :) i love it when kitchens mix finishes and i would love to add tarnished brass, chunky pulls in my own.

*images courtesy of nest egg, i dream of,wit + delight, jonathan adler

2011-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

sometimes i get caught up in color....but these images look pretty perfect to me. in fact, if those mercury glass pendants would appear in my hallway, i'd be one happy camper!!

2011-08-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

i've got my eye on kelly green right now....i want to add it everywhere- plus i'm obsessed w/ grant's elle decor dining room...those chairs are killing me i want them so bad!

*images courtesy of note to self, fallon elizabeth, pink persimmon, grant gibson

2011-08-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

i LOVE things that inspire...these necklaces totally make me want to design an entire house around them....such great colors!!!

*images courtesy of i dream of, nest egg, simply seleta/h&h, lonny

2011-08-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

i'm doing a little dance b/c it's friday...and b/c i made it an entire week keeping my house clean (that is a huge thing for me)!

*images courtesy of saras party perfect, ruthie gyll, pink persimmon

2011-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

i have this feeling that plaid is back.....get ready :)

*images courtesy of erica in america, pink persimmon, green wellies

2011-08-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

i'm not going to lie....sometimes i cheat on y'all....when i should be blogging, i am actually pinning....it's rather addictive...i'm sure you will agree. phew, i feel better now that i have gotten that off my chest.

*update- i think my user name is sdarbydesign (don't judge me for not knowing)...and if you go to my boards- yes, i am totally unorganized....i think i have interior design pics under "books i like to read" but if you read this blog, you know i'm not the most organized of the bunch!!

*images courtesy of frolic, darling dexter, style on display, pink persimmon, robert abbey

2011-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

i'm officially on vacation.....i'll see y'all next week :) xo!!

2011-08-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

for my mom's 60th b'day (which we have been celebrating for over a week), the real surprise was for my family to meet in TN and go the world's longest yard sale. my parents and brother have been going for years but i have never made the trek...well, this year i made sure i could go and see what it was all about (it's a massive yard sale that goes from GA to Maine). now warren was invited but he opted to stay at home and babysit the kiddos b/c he does not do yard sales! my fam on the other hand, TOTALLY does yard sales. the whole weekend was a blast! my bother and i drove to TN to surprise my mom on friday....we got there early and checked into our cabin. we decided to kill time by going on a hike. eventful, would be one way to describe the experience...we ended up going a lot further then we thought- hoping my parents would pick us up on the way into the park...well, they got lost and we were stranded in the dark for about 2 hrs. we made the best of it w/ this iphone app called songified (might be the funniest thing ever...try it). my parents finally arrived and the celebrating began! saturday started early w/ going to nonstop yard sales...i have never seen anything like it. parts of it are amazing and others are like the worst yard sale you have ever been too. but you just never know what you might find. everyones purchases were very different: my brother has an antique booth and he has a corky/ hipster style so it was really funny to see him buy. did you know that member's only jackets go for $50?!! my brother did, so he was super excited to get one for $1...along w/ a locker, some blue blockers, vintage phones, tons of old t-shirts (basically everything you see in the car was my brother's). my mom and i have a similar style- we love jadeite and old signs....she scored several plates and an adorable fresh egg sign. i got two signs for walker's room. my favorite purchases were a vintage crewel, framed fabric and this adorable platypus planter made from an old turquoise propane tank. my dad tends to get a lot of tools and books but on the last day, he spotted this fabulous hippo cookie jar that he got to put taylor's cookies in (soo cute)! so that was my adventurous weekend...warren likes to call my family hoarders...we like to think of it as a hunt b/c you never know what you might find!

on another note, taylor started 4 yr old school today! i miss her already but i hope she is having a blast!

2011-08-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

i'm off on an adventure....see y'all next week :)

*images courtesy of in flagrante, stylish bird, sheridan french, cup of te

2011-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

why are monday's so painful?!! i did a nose dive onto the bed when warren got home from work this afternoon...he followed...we both looked at each other and knew that our days sucked (excuse my french)...today, i made it a goal to start the day on the right foot and be happy- no matter what!

*images courtesy of old brand new, citified, frolic

2011-07-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

this weekend is my mom's 60th b'day and so my family is coming here! i've got some cooking to do...i am going to attempt one of our favorite thai recipe (my brother lived in thailand for years so we love thai food) and i am going to make my mother-in-law's famous poundcake w/ cameral frosting. we also plan on visiting the local farmers market to get hot, homemade doughnuts that are to die for...in between all of our eating, we hope to find some treasures will out antiquing. i hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!! if you need me, i'll be in the kitchen ~~probably freaking out~~ :)

*images courtesy of wedding style guide, pink persimmon, sparkles and pretending tumblr, emersonmade,blissful b blog, turquoise tulips and bliss

2011-07-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

sometimes it's the small things that get me most excited....like an impromptu date night on a wednesday-just b/c.....hope y'all have a wonderful day!!

2011-07-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

i'm signing off for the week to go and head down to the beaufort water festival. it's one of our favorite times of the year...everyone gets on their boat and meets at a sandbar near downtown. there is something about water, fun drinks, good food, music, and old friends that make the event so memorable each year (and there is always a fun story to tell at the end of the day)! i hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

*images courtesy of seen and said, lonny, design sponge, heather bullard

2011-07-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

just in case you needed reminding!!

*images courtesy of pinterest, unknown, sr gambrel, house beautiful

2011-07-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

friday night we had good friends over for a pizza cook off....needless to stay we had a blast. the pizzas were great- we spent 2 hrs prepping them....or maybe talking, laughing, sipping, and forgetting what we were putting on our pizzas. as you can tell, we thought it was pretty fun. by the time we finally ate, they both tasted like winners :) if you need a great recipe for pizza, this is my favorite!! hope y'all had a blast this weekend too!

TGIF!!

2011-07-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

my in-laws took taylor to the mountains yesterday and so we just have little walker solo this weekend. yesterday, while walker was napping i had to chance to actually sit at the computer and read blogs!! it was fabulous....
i spotted this bathroom on simply seleta....hello perfection!! (and if you haven't seen it, check out what seleta's husband did for her b'day...so cute!!)

next, i spotted this stacked glass lamp that i am dying to add to my house.....but i better start saving, b/c she's not cheap. but fabulous, right?!!

then i decided that i wanted to have friends over for dinner friday night....i am dying to get this cookbook....this meal would be perfection, as well as this table setting:

and this is always a fun motto for fridays :)

which i found on the cutest blog....who happens to be an adorable girl i met when i was in costa rica 2 yrs ago!! randomly, lindsey found me and remembered me from a boat cruise we were on. she and her husband were on their last night and we were in the middle of our trip but we had a blast together on the 6+ hr boat/ snorkel excursion...could have been the cocktails that they were serving too :) but i am so happy to see that they are expecting a baby girl....i mean how cute is she?! you have to watch this adorable video that she posted on how they found out what they are having...and her house is fabulous as well- that would be a framed hermes scarf and those sconces are killer (i need them in my life)!

next, i visited ruby press, and this stopped me in my tracks and made me realize i want to make ice cream.....first, i need an ice cream maker....and i need to have better handwriting and cute storage containers!

after that, my little man woke up. but the 2+ hrs i had surfing the internet was pure bliss. i hope y'all have an amazing weekend!!! see y'all next week! XO

2011-07-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

i am OBSESSED with a well dressed chair. i love when a tailored custom slipcover is added to a wooden chair. it just makes such an impact. the first two are from my personal home file. i am dying to do this in my house somewhere....i'm thinking my barstools are dying for this makeover!!

*images courtesy of unknown, cottage living, gerrie bremerrman, suzanne kasler, southern living, amelia hadegan, country living, urban grace, unknown

2011-07-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

good morning!! i decided that i was going to tackle a project this AM. i primed this random piece of furniture and i went to wash my paint brush and when i returned i saw white hand prints on my hardwood floors....walker decided he wanted to paint a little too :) luckily, i got it off of him and the floor!! i hope y'all have a fabulous monday!!

*images courtesy of sunday in bed, lulu dk, windsor smith, style for living

2011-07-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

a great friend of mine called/~~harassed~~ me about helping her with a paint color for her front door (my friends think its impossible to get paint colors out of me....i don't know why)!! so i made sure to send plenty to her!! she lives in a painted white brick house w/ gray shutters so for the front door she wanted some "spunk" in her life. the pics above were my inspiration. i personally am dying to do a blue door on my painted white brick house but my husband isn't sold....one day he may just arrive home and "magically" the door color has changed :)
all colors are Ben Moore:
silver mink 1586
wedgewood gray HC-146
gray wisp 1570
vale mist 1495
waynesboro taupe 1544
misted fern 482
buckingham gardens 545
bunker hill green 566
hawthorne yellow HC-4

*images courtesy of sr gambrel, miles redd, unknown, pinterest, blueprint, think camera

2011-07-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

today is not my day. period. i want to start over: this time, taylor's missing tennis shoe will be right where all of her other shoes are. and i will not have thrown a tantrum looking for it 5 minutes before we were supposed to be leaving for cheerleading camp. and my house would not look like a bomb went off b/c i dumped all of our toy baskets out fanatically looking for that one silly shoe....i didn't find the shoe and we were late to the first day of camp. tay is use to it. the first day of ballet, she had to go shoeless b/c i couldn't find her ballet shoes. i constantly beat myself up on why i am that mom. i hate it.

*images courtesy of where the sidewalk begins, sun in bed, hooked on houses, decor pad

2011-07-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

hope you have a happy 4th!! see y'all next week.....

*images courtesy of bippity boppity boo, sunday in bed

2011-06-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

good morning sunshine....i have to keep saying that to myself b/c i am far from being a sunshine this AM. walker is "off the bottle" therefore he woke up at 5:30 this morning. trying to be cheery but all i really want to do is crawl back into bed.....or pour my 3rd cup of coffee....

*images courtesy of anthropologie, pobox 607, stephmodo

just in case....

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

you felt the need to make those cookies from friday's post......
i did and they didn't disappoint~~, well my shorts were a little tighter and that might have been disappointing~~ but besides that they were pure heaven. best- hot out of the oven and with a big glass of milk, followed by a nice, long nap. enjoy :)
ps. love the picture recipe...so easy to follow!!

*images from are so happy, styleswoon/pinterest, katy elliot/ chance co.

2011-06-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

hope y'all have an awesome weekend....however you plan on spending it!!

*images courtesy of you are my fav, moth design, everly true, where the sidewalk begins, styleswoon

2011-06-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Oh my....i'm still obsessed with a good monogram. seriously, can't get enough of them. so much so that i once thought i wanted to buy a commercial monogramming machine and open a store. i googled it and found out that they cost as much as a very nice car. and then i could not ignore reality- i have never even sewed a button on a shirt...how was i suppose to operate a machine?!! but i still can be obsessed with them. i need those chairs in my life.

*images courtesy of bippity boppity boo, number four eleven, merrill curtis, and my napkins from gramercy

happenings...

2011-06-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

walker happen to turn 1 over the weekend....we had a little b'day party for him on saturday. he is such a love bug...he, hands down, gives the best hugs. kind of hurts my heart that he is already one.

on thurs i called my mom and begged her to come a day early to help me out....poor thing, i think i worked her to death....moms are the best. b/c of her, i got my mirror painted and a party cranked out (even if all of our work was in vain b/c it rained 20 minutes into the party and everything had to be brought inside).

day dreaming vs. reality

2011-06-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

this blog serves as a place to store beautiful images.....
but it's not my real world. my real world is quite different, especially w/ two kiddos in the mix. being home with them, trying to work, and preparing for a party we are having here on sat. is almost impossible...why, b/c i have to chase this kiddo around. and he is into everything:

right after this pic was taken, he leaned in and did a handstand into the bath tub, no water was in there. and i was right behind him to recuse him.
i start my day w/ a plan, a list of things i have to get done....
today i thought would be the day to paint this mirror that i got when i was in charleston....

luckily my sweet neighbor invited tay to the zoo....walker just went down for his nap and i am off to "try" and get a coat of paint on this....and answer my backed up email list....and try and shower....and clean up all of the toys that have taken over my LR/ DR......

so when y'all email me and say i don't know how you do it w/ two kids...well, i am by no means a "master" as you can definitely tell.....

* top 3 images courtesy of design darling, luna and chloe weddings, lisa stickley london

2011-06-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

dear grace- i ADORE harper's room....will you come and do walkers??!! i could just eat up those window treatments. and i love how she has such a knack at mixing patterns...to see more click here!

*all images from grace happens

2011-06-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

i started my day w/ a run w/ my hubbie and barron (promise we didn't abandon the kids, they are at the grandparent's house having a sleepover). seriously, i wish we could do that every AM...it is the best feeling ever- almost makes me forget i need coffee. hope y'all have a fab monday!
ps. sorry for not being around last week, we went to GA b/c our AC is acting up!! fingers crossed it's fixed today!!

*images courtesy of unknown, shelter/ruthie sommers, sweetie pie pumbkin noodle, drew barrymore

2011-06-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

for my b'day all i wanted was to go be a tourist in charleston. warren and i went and spent a night downtown in a beautiful hotel, ate yummy food, and had some celebratory glasses of wine. but my favorite part was saturday- walking down king street, going to the farmers market, eating brunch and hopping in the ocean at sullivan's. it was so much fun that i have decided that is how i want to spend all of my b'days from here on out!!
*UPDATE: when we were at the farmer's market there was the cutest girl selling these woodblock prints and she just happened to have one turquoise hanging swing like the one i just hung on my porch. i thought i would never find her card but i got something better, an email from her!! yippee- go check out stacey's site- perlaAnne...great prices, super cute prints (i bought 3 b/c i couldn't make up my mind), and check out the background in some of her prints- i spy angie hranowsky's house!!

*images courtesy of you are my fav, architectural digest/quadrille, suzie b, me

2011-06-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

i couldn't agree more audrey.....

in fact, i think i need that print in my house :)

*images courtesy of elissa hudson etsy, society 6, living inside/lisa cohen, 6th street design, style beat, shop gramercy

2011-05-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

i kind of think this is pretty perfect....i adore the layered jewelry w/ a hint of turquoise and i need that china....hope y'all had a fabulous memorial weekend. we just rolled into town and my house is a disaster so i am pulling myself off of the computer so i can unpack (it's real hard though)!

*images courtesy of ruffles and pleats, the pie and the apron life, suziebee

2011-05-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

we have a 30 day stretch that is absolutely crazy...warren and i look at each other and say "what were we thinking"...starting may 15th it begins...it goes anniversary, taylor's b'day, my b'day, and then walker's...and also packed in there is mother's day and father's day....and this year we added a dance recital. so if i have been a little off it's b/c i have been going....and we still have 2 weeks to go.
taylor begged me to make this louis cake from the princess and the frog for her b'day....well, i think you can tell from the picture, i am no baker!! bless his heart....it's the thought that counts, right??!! i hope y'all have a fabulous memorial weekend!!

2011-05-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

i'm so excited that it is summer and tay is out of school for a little while. i look forward to a more laid back day...hanging in our pj's a little longer is the best!! now if someone would magically put a pool in our back yard it would be perfect!!

*images courtesy of because i'm addicted, lauren stern design, black eiffel, citified, pinterest

2011-05-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

i started working in design back in college. i got a part time job (that eventually became a full time job) here. at MDI i met the best group of girls. there were 5 of us that worked together for years. we had the best time....i miss those girlies...they taught me so much about interior design. one of those girls was jenny keenan. i remember returning from my honeymoon and jenny telling me she was going to take the leap and start her own firm. i was so excited for her but secretly i wanted to cry b/c i would miss working w/ her. well, the leap paid off b/c she is making her mark all over the charleston area. you might also recognize her pics from Southern Living and BHG that featured her house. she just emailed me saying she started a blog....and i think y'all should check it out!! and how precious is that picture of her daughter lily?!!

*all images from jenny keenan interiors

2011-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

see y'all next week :)

2011-05-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

today is taylor's first dance recital. yesterday was dress rehearsal and i was that mom that got teary eyed watching my daughter dance. dance was a huge part of my childhood...i danced for 16 yrs and my parents attended countless recitals and performances. it feels really special being on the other side watching taylor do the same thing.
*i wish i was creative enough to have a ballerina inspired party waiting for her after the recital...instead it will most likely be pizza :)

**images courtesy of snippet and ink, natalie spencer photography/beach bungalow 8

2011-05-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

good morning!! it's been awhile...i am so sorry!! i took my mom on a little trip for a late mother's day present. we had a blast....we giggled a lot. no one makes me laugh like my mom. thanks mom for a trip full of memories :) i hope y'all have a happy monday!!

*images courtesy of tumblr, caitlin creer, from moon to moon, unknown, palmer weiss

2011-05-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

i had a wonderful mother's day....my husband returned home after 5 days of traveling (best present ever), i ate delicious food, and i got to completely veg...which for me is taking a nap, bad reality tv watching, some window shopping, and going on a walk. i hope y'all had a wonderful weekend :)

*images courtesy of jayson home and garden, flourish design & style, a lifes design, the marion house book, vinteetkaur tumblr

2011-05-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

i swear i woke up on monday and said, i'm posting everyday this week. well, it's friday and i did one post this week. i HATE that!! i have to be better!! we got patio furniture and i have been out there every night this week. maybe that's why i have been slack. it's nothing fancy but i love having a place to gather....the kiddos like the box more then the furniture.

i saw this picture on brooke's blog and i immediately saved it for what i wanted our back area to look like. i want to add a window box and do a bricked- in grilling station!!

warren painted the swing and hung it. i got a cushion from world market...it will do for now but i would love to eventually recover it in a trina turk fabric. please excuse the ADT sign and the lack of plants....one day we will get there!! it's always a work in progress. i would also love to cover the chain w/ rope.

last but not least, i wanted to show y'all taylor's window treatment. i showed y'all the inspiration:

and here it is in her room.....i think it turned out really cute! now if i can just get the rest of her room together that would be great!!

i hope y'all have a wonderful mother's day!! mom- thanks so much for being my best friend! i love you :) see y'all next week!

2011-05-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

i adore this time of year....it's not super hot and buggy...you can still sit outside and not die b/c it's 100 degrees! we caved and bought outdoor furniture. i'm excited to finally have something to sit on when we are outside. my sweet husband spent 4 hrs last night putting it all together....i'm having girls over tonight for wine. i bet they will be happy to have a chair to sit in instead of the ground!

*cottage living, tumblr, clover magazine, lonny, style at home, olive and a, poppy talk

in her shoes

2011-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

today i am over at effortless style doing camila's in her shoes post.....i didn't take a picture of my shoes b/c to be honest, i'm a barefoot kind of girl....

on another note, have you not been glued to the tv??!! happy royal wedding day!!! kate looks amazing. seriously, she is beyond gorgeous!! and she appears so calm. i would be freaking out!!

i hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!! see y'all next week.

*images courtesy of house of bliss, smitten design, design sponge, apartment 34, unknown

a date.

2011-04-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

i've got a date w/ this guy and a can of spray paint this weekend. i found him at goodwill almost two and a half yrs ago for $3.99. he's been living in the storage unit (i bet he's glad to be out).....he finally has a home- the corner of our front porch/ breeze way. i hope he will be happy...i can't wait to finally swing in him!!

*images courtesy of lonny, house beautiful/ jonathan adler, H&G, apartment therapy/ domino, charleston home

2011-04-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

i am loving this ink blue color....and those floors in the first pic are just fabulous!! i have had the bottom picture saved for a long time. i think it would be fun to paint my laundry room door w/ chalkboard paint and then draw this fancy door on it!! hope y'all have an amazing hump day!

2011-04-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

i have a slight obsession with the skirted table....especially an octagonal, tailored one. let's add this to the very long list of things i need for my house :)

*images courtesy of amanda nisbet/style at home/effortless style, tom scheerer, ashley goforth design, lonny, palmer weiss