FASHION - Bubble Necklaces for Less

I adore JCREW’s bubble necklace and appreciate its exceptional quality, but the price is a tad steep for what I like to pay for my trendy pieces. If you know that you’ll make this item a summer staple, then treat yourself! You can't go wrong with such a versatile and eye-catching accessory. But, if you’re looking to save, you should check out these great designs by Imperfectly Perfect on Etsy. With an array of colors and styles in the $30 range, these necklaces are bound to brighten your July. 

Image via JCREW

Images via Imperfectly Perfect on Etsy  

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Trip to Wisteria & Antique Shops!

Last weekend, I made my first ever in-person trip to the beautiful home and garden store, Wisteria. You might remember my previous post about this eclectic Dallas gem. I was thrilled to finally explore the store from top to bottom (especially the back section that hosts a fantastic flea market with discounted items). Here are some snapshots from my adventure around the world within the four walls of Wisteria!

WISTERIA

After Wisteria, I headed to Riverfront Boulevard in Dallas to explore the nearly endless row of antique shops. Some of my favorite stops included Antiques Moderne, Again & Again, and Lost and Found…antiques. I highly recommend checking out these shops online to join the mailing lists or taking a lazy Saturday to explore their furnishings. Happy decorating!

WINGBACK CHAIRS FROM DALLAS ANTIQUE SHOPS

All photos via self

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Friday Favorites!

Here are a few of my current obsessions to kick off the weekend. Merry Friday!

SCHUMACHER FABRICS
I love Schumacher's bright graphic fabrics especially their designs by Trina Turk and Kelly Wearstler. For more affordable pillows and accessories, check out the selections on Etsy.   

Images via fschumacher.com

WATERMELON SALSA
I made this yummy recipe for July 4th. Fresh and sweet with just enough spice, it's the perfect summer snack.

Image via allrecipes.com

FAVORITE SUMMER TANK
I absolutely love this tiered dot tank from JCREW. Comfortable and flattering, it pairs nicely with my bright blue or coral denim. 

Image via JCREW

C.S. LEWIS 
I received this book for Christmas, and I strongly recommend it to anyone with curiosity about life’s bigger picture. Filled with digestible, provoking insights and wisdom, it will draw you out of your temporary worries into a focus on what truly matters. If nothing else, it will make you think.

Image via Mardel.com

Image via bayleehart.blogspot.com

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: June Updates!

Whew! June was a whirlwind – moving from Los Angeles to Dallas, completing my first semester of graduate school at warp speed, and finally, settling into a new condo with my husband. Unfortunately, Merriment fell by the wayside as I found myself immersed in my growing responsibilities. This month and the fall should be much less hectic, so I look forward to celebrating with you on a regular basis!

Here are the major Merriment Moments you’ve missed: 

AUNT MER

I could not be happier to announce that I’m going to be an aunt! My sister, Lindsey, and her husband, Christian, are expecting their first child in January.  In fact, the little one will be the first grandchild for our side of the family, so you can imagine how overjoyed we all are, especially my parents – who have been, not so subtly, requesting a grandchild ever since the “I do’s.” Blogs to come about the baby shower, nursery, and other sweet life moments! Any tips from awesome aunts out there? Please send them my way.

Image via Kohl's

ANOTHER NEW ADDITION - OLIVER

We have another new addition to the family, little Oliver, my parents’ new Maltese puppy. After losing Bandit in February, we knew that our dog, Cosmo, would need a new friend sometime soon. I hear he’s a handful, but I can’t wait to see for myself!

BOOKSHELF INSPIRATION FROM OUR NEW CONDO

I finally found the time last week to start decorating our new condo after the craziness of June. Here are a few snapshots of our bookshelves from my iPhone. It’s still a work in progress (notice the empty silver vases), but I hope it will inspire you to revamp your own home décor. Anxious about where to start? Work with what you have and surround yourself with what you love.

For me, Merriment materializes as books including children’s classics (grouped together in the basket below the Lighthouse book, so my husbands’ little siblings can reach them), family photos, interior design books, and other meaningful mementos such as the cross that my husband gave me on our wedding day. 

     

Thank you again for your patience with me this past month. I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day celebration with your family and friends. To a joyful July!

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Ch-Ch-Changes

I apologize for my lengthy silence, but in my defense, I have some BIG news to share with all of you, so big that you might call it Texas-sized. 

After much consideration and prayer, Evan and I have decided to take a leap of faith and return to our home state of Texas beginning in June. In a little over a week, I’m going to begin my Master’s of Education with the aim of a career in educational leadership/teaching alongside my outside writing pursuits. 

While the decision has been bittersweet, especially as Evan has thrived at NBCUniversal, we both look forward to living closer to family and friends, enjoying some deeply missed Texas barbecue, and seeing what God has in store for the next adventurous chapter in our lives together.

Image via Pinterest

Our time in California has been a blessing, the ultimate learning and growing experience for our first years of marriage and adulthood. We have been so fortunate to meet great people, enjoy some “pinch-me” life moments, and draw closer to one other and the Lord, as a result of stepping out on our own. Above all, I have grown to appreciate so many simple joys in life that I previously overlooked as ordinary. 

During this next phase, I’m excited to continue sharing my inspirations with you on Merriment! While my posts may not occur daily, as I devote my time to school, I will strive to bring you even better, more thoughtfully constructed content to brighten your days. (More Merriment Homes to come!)

Thank you for celebrating with us!

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Wisteria!

If you're on the hunt for original, "eclectic home and garden accessories from around the world," look no further than one of my personal favorites, Wisteria. Founded by Dallas-based husband and wife entrepreneur-team, Wisteria boasts beautiful collections of furniture, home décor, vintage accessories, lighting, gifts, and more.

Stop by the Wisteria website, enjoy their blog, or visit their Dallas store. Don't miss the 'Rare Birds' section for one-of-a-kind finds!

Images via Wisteria