WEDDINGS/EVENTS - Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration Board

 “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” 
      ~The Secret Garden

From Left to Right: 1weddingsource.com, Architectural Digest, 100 Layer Cake, Martha Stewart Weddings, greenweddingshoes.com, Pinterest, Style Me Pretty, pineapple-productions.blogspot.com, gourmetinvitations.com, Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Pinterest, theweddingqueen.blogspot.com, & 100 Layer Cake

INTERIOR DECORATING - Home Is Where The Dog Is

I have always believed that a house isn’t truly a home without a dog to keep it company. We love our dogs like members of our families, so why not decorate with them in mind? A hidden doggie door in an elegant bookcase, a built-in seat beside your desk, a pullout dog food drawer; these design-savvy ideas spoil your pup without sacrificing style or function! 

From Left to Right: Southern Living, BHG.com, Traditional Home, BHG.com, hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com, wanelo.com, interiordesignhound.com, sunnygoode.com, enmammasdag.com, Elle Decor, cactuscreekdaily.com, vignettedesign.blogspot.com, atticmag.com, hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com, interiordesignhound.com, Elle Decor

COFFEE TABLE BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS

via supercoolpets.com

via cotedetexas.blogspot.com

FASHION - Polyvore, Net-A-Porter, & Birchbox!

Many of you have probably already heard about the widely popular fashion sites, Polyvore and Net-A-Porter, but I wanted to make sure that all of my readers were familiar with these two ingenious fashion resources! I frequently visit both of these sites for outfit inspiration, the latest trends, and creative style tips.

For all of you beauty product-lovers out there, you also need to check out Birchbox. With Christmas around the corner, Birchbox is a wonderful gift idea that will keep on giving throughout the year. Read more below! 

Polyvore
While Net-A-Porter highlights the top designers, Polyvore includes items at every price range. If you haven’t played around with the CREATE option on Polyvore, you’re missing out. Think the rotating closet in Clueless, but you’re in charge! With endless clothing options available from your favorite stores, you can assemble the perfect outfit for any occasion from the convenience of your computer screen.  

Images via Polyvore.com

Net-A-Porter
My favorite feature on Net-A-Porter is the Outfit option under Display. With ‘Outfit’ selected, you can view the latest designer fashions paired together with accessories, shoes, and other clothing items from numerous top designers. Instead of only viewing one designer or one store’s items paired together, you’re able to create a more authentic shopping and clothing experience by mixing and matching between brands just like you would in your own closet. 

 

Images via Net-A-Porter.com

Birchbox
Every month, you will receive a selection of four to five deluxe samples of leading beauty products including skincare, makeup, hair, body, fragrance, and tools. You can choose to become a yearly member, a monthly member, or select Gift Birchbox and pick between the 12, 6, and 3-month options. Best part? Free shipping!

Image via Birchbox.com

Merriment Moments - Rose Bowl Flea Market

This weekend, Evan and I enjoyed exploring the world famous Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California. With more than 2,500 vendors and 15,000-20,000 buyers every month, this flea market was the most expansive, impressive market I have ever attended. We ambled through rows upon rows of furniture, home décor, vintage clothing, and pretty trinkets (As a disdainer of clutter, I’m not generally a ‘trinkets’ fan, but I must admit that by and large, I was impressed with the selections.) While we didn’t purchase anything this trip, I found inspiration with every turn. Overall, it was a delightful afternoon, and we’re excited to visit again!

I thought of ya’ll when I spotted this vintage, gold bar cart. It could also work as bathroom storage or a stylish side table.

Vintage suitcases - perfect for my luggage project ideas!

Beautiful chairs for a bargain!

ENTERTAINMENT - 'Board Girl Travels' & Country Music Playlist

I apologize for my silence yesterday, but I was busy exploring Southern California’s beaches with a talented, up-and-coming photojournalist and sweet friend, Courtney Slade. It was such a wonderful surprise to spend the day with an old Texas friend and witness her creative gift. Inspired by her curiosity for travel, sports, and life, I thought you would also enjoy her work. Check out her adventures at Board Girl Travels!

Image via Board Girl Travels

Lately, I have developed an odd curiosity and fondness for country music.  As a small child, I listened to country with my parents, but I quickly moved on to prefer nearly every other genre.  I discounted anything remotely country or western as “not my taste.”

As the radio has become increasingly bombarded with auto-tune, derivative music, I have noticed that country has stepped up with a creative resurgence. With exceptionally talented musicians and well-written music, I truly believe that even the biggest naysayers could enjoy today's country if they gave it a chance. Last night's CMA Awards was an entertaining display of creative collaborations and impressive vocal chops. I'm still belting out the songs today...sing along with my country playlist!

10 Country Songs for Your Playlist (even if you don't listen to country)

• Colder Weather – Zac Brown Band
• Run – Sugarland Version feat. Matt Nathanson
• All Your Life – The Band Perry
• We Owned The Night – Lady Antebellum
• Ours – Taylor Swift
• Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not – Thompson Square
• Remind Me – Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood
• Take a Back Road – Rodney Atkins
• Tattoos on This Town – Jason Aldean
• Long Hot Summer – Keith Urban  

 
Via Youtube

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Bar Carts

With their inherent sophistication and retro glamour, bar carts offer a simple solution to anyone who wants to add intrigue to a room without the expense or hassle of purchasing a substantial piece of furniture.

While they certainly look beautiful performing their intended function, I prefer transforming them into fashionable side tables, nightstands, bookshelves, dining storage, or makeup vanities. As I drink on an infrequent basis, it makes more sense for me to repurpose the cart to best suit my needs.

If you regularly entertain in your home, a bar cart  (used as a bar cart) could be a gorgeous addition to your décor, or you might want to embrace your creativity and repurpose an old armoire into a bar like Mad Men’s Bryan Batt, as shown on The Nate Berkus Show. Have fun repurposing – send me photos of your projects, and you just might see them featured on Merriment!

From Left to Right: shopsocietysocial.com, BHG.com, thedecorista.com, goldandgray.blogspot.com, designmanifest.blogspot.com, thegirlsoflincolnpark.tumblr.com, shopsocietysocial.com, zangaristudio.com, & brownbutton.blogspot.com