FASHION - Coats!

"Brrr…Buns!" is a long running, amusing expression in my family that we shout whenever the weather turns chilly and crisp. My father always teases that he fell in love with my mother because she frequently uttered cute phrases like, “Tons!” and “Brrr…Buns!” in her feminine, Texas twang.

Disclaimer: I have only ever lived in Texas and California, so I have never actually experienced the bitter cold of a real winter. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy these fashionable coats and jackets – Brights are back! If you want the same great looks for less, Old Navy’s Outerwear Sale is a fantastic option. Most importantly, I hope you will donate a coat this season – read below for details on how you can give back.  

From Left to Right: Ann Taylor, Kate Spade, Burberry Brit (Nordstrom), Banana Republic, JCREW, Calvin Klein (Nordstrom), Madewell, Anthropologie, & JCREW

Great Looks for Less from Old Navy 

From Left to Right: Old Navy (On Sale) for $35, $39, & $60

Donate a Coat this Season!
I encourage all of you to donate a coat this season and give others the gift of warmth. Find out how you can donate through organizations like One Warm Coat and The Salvation Army. Also, don't miss your chance to take part in The Salvation Army's Angel Giving Tree by JCPenney. Throughout my childhood, adopting an angel was the highlight of many holiday seasons; I know it will brighten your spirit and add merriment to someone else's celebration!

KIDS - Organizational Tips - Part Two!

Merriment is back with more simple yet ingenious ways to gain some calm and control through organization. With schoolwork and activities piling up and the frenzy of the holidays approaching, now is the time to make sure that all of your ‘everyday’ tasks are as straightforward and seamless as possible. Less stress, here we come!

From Left to Right: Parents.com, Martha Stewart, iheartorganizing.blogspot.com, modpodgerocksblog.com, coryconnordesigns.com, Martha Stewart, Ohdeedoh.com, Martha Stewart, icouldmakethat.org, Real Simple, iheartorganizing.blogspot.com, Martha Stewart, The Container Store (white elfa kids' workstation), iheartorganizing.blogspot.com, Real Simple, & Centsationalgirl.com

• Mon.-Fri. Closet Organizer – Have a week’s worth of school clothes picked out and ready to go. As a kid who always had her clothes laid out the night before, I LOVE this idea!

• Mailing Tubes for Art Storage – Label, roll, and store the endless art projects that are no longer on display in mailing tubes.

• Closet Bins Labeled with Pictures – Great idea for younger children who can’t read; separate various items with images instead of words.

• Closet Hooks Labeled with Sizes – Perfect for the closets of nurseries, growing kids, or shared siblings

• Wagon as Bookshelf –An adorably clever way to display and organize your kids’ books!

• The Fridge Chore Chart – an oldie but a goodie

• Nursery Organization Bins ‘Burp, Bathe, Bundle’ – Great way to keep your rags, towels, and blankets separated.

• Photo Paperweight – Add a little joy to your work with photo paperweights of your kids!

• Playful Jars for arts & crafts storage

• 3-Ring Binders for school papers, report cards by grade, etc. – With so many brilliant ideas out there, it’s still hard to beat a 3-ring binder for school organization.

• Create a Household Binder to keep track of finances, babysitters, schedules, EVERYTHING. Don’t miss the step-by-step instructions and other genius suggestions at iheartorganizing.blogspot.com!

• Wall Book Shelf to keep books on display and out of the way

• Kids Workspace – If you have the space, provide your kids with their own organized workspace for crafts, schoolwork, and activities. Modify for their ages and likes, but remember to leave room for growth.

• Lego Organization – Legos are incredible toys for learning, but I have discovered that they are organization’s worst nightmare! Keep them under control with labeled bins by color. Include designated bins for the boards and the character pieces.

• Mudroom Central – Love the shoe organization, clear calendar, and wall storage!

• Planters as Wall Storage for Toys 

EVENTS - Month of Gratitude

“Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?
What’s your attitude?
Do you grumble and groan?
Or let it be known?
Are you grateful for what God’s done for you?”

On this somewhat grumbly afternoon, this annoyingly sweet, seemingly trite, yet profoundly true elementary-school song floods back into my memory. Every November, my extraordinary grade-school music teacher, Mrs. Price, sang and discussed this song with my class. I still think about it every year.

As an adult, it’s very easy to brush off these kinds of simple lessons as naïve or one-dimensional, assuming that they no longer apply to the complexities of adulthood. I know that my life often feels more confusing and complicated than the effortless ease of my childhood. Blaming circumstances and harping on the disappointments comes quite naturally to most of us; I know it does for me. Yet, every November and during my most pitiful moments, this endearing tune returns with its bold challenge, reminding me to readjust my attitude and celebrate the endless things I have to be thankful for.

From Left to Right: danielleflanders.blogspot.com, inchmark.squarespace.com, simplyvintagegirl.com, kwernerdesign.com, etsy.com, & paper-source.com 

To celebrate your gratitude this November, consider creating a gratitude journal/notebook/scrapbook, constructing a thankful tree or wall calendar for your family, or keeping it simple with a gratitude jar.

Personally, I’m concentrating on gratitude through a journal and thank you notes. Don’t be intimidated by the beautiful examples. I assembled a very basic gratitude journal by taping magazine letters to an old moleskin notebook. I may love design, but my craft skills are non-existent! If you prefer verbal communication to written, challenge yourself to say thank you to someone, big or small in your life, on a daily basis. Have fun and thanks for reading!  

INTERIOR DECORATING - Designer Spotlight: Mary McDonald

I have recently developed an obsession for the glamorous, unconventional designs of LA-based interior designer, Mary McDonald. In her own words, Mary describes her style as, “…classic meets eccentric. I find myself in sweater sets some days and ostrich feathers others–Audrey Hepburn meets Auntie Mame. My interiors have that same range” (www.allthebestblog.co.uk/). 

All images via marymcdonaldinc.com or Google Images: Mary McDonald

While my childhood home is much less eclectic than McDonald’s designs, I think I’m drawn to her style because my mother has always utilized a similar combination of traditional luxury with bright, vivacious colors. In large part because of my parents’ shared love for color, I have tended to fearlessly embrace color throughout my own life. Bright orange heeled sneakers and hot-pink leopard tennis shoes were staples in my 9-year old wardrobe. Wow, they sound a lot tackier than I ever realized. The point is that living with color and a bit of whimsy can be freeing and luxurious. For me, bold color feels like home, like family, like my true self—like merriment, and there's no greater luxury than feeling like your best self in your home!

If you’re fascinated by Mary McDonald’s alluring style, visit her web site, scour the web for her gorgeous rooms, and check out her book, Mary McDonald Interiors.

Merriment Moments - Weekend Inspirations

Here are some of my weekend inspirations from friends, Pinterest, and other online shops! Merry Monday  & Happy Halloween!

GORGEOUS OUTDOOR DINING
Pinterest via my friend, Kate. (browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com)

PUMPKIN/FALL-INSPIRED TABLE SETTING
Via Facebook; One of my sorority sister's, Katie, created this beautiful fall table setting. Love it!

RAIN BOOTS WITH BOWS
Pinterest via my friend, Sandy. (joules.com)

LL BEAN SIGNATURE COLLECTION - MEN'S VACATION BAG
llbean.com (Evan needs a weekender/travel bag. This is the one!)

BUILT-IN DOG BED FOR KITCHEN ISLAND
Pinterest (shannersinthecity.com) 

VENICE - TRAVEL & HOME PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATION
Pinterest

...or Treat!

Everyone deserves a sweet treat on Halloween! Here are a few Halloween-inspired goodies that won’t rot your teeth. No worries, I’m not talking about boring raisins or toothbrushes. These treats are a bit more substantial but still lack the frightening price tags (all items between $10-$79.95). Happy Halloween from Merriment!

Row 1: Tory Burch (Idina Wine Cozy - $75); Etsy (Zig-zag Pillow Covers - 2 for $21.95); 
Nordstrom (Pleione houndstooth bow top - $58)

Row 2: Nordstrom (Statements by DCK Jeweled Owl Ring - $16); Ralph Lauren (Cabled Cashmere Dog Turtleneck - Reg. $95, Sale $66.50); Rosanna Rococo (Noir Black Cake Stand - $35)

Row 3: Kate Spade (Scallop Detail Tights - $28); Anthropologie (Zaftig Drops in Green - $34);
Sur la table (Barefoot Contessa Pumpkin Cupcake Mix - $13.95)

Row 4: Sperry Top-Sider (Pelican Tall Rain Boot in Orange - $69.95); MICHAEL Michael Kors (iPhone Wristlet, Black Python - $79.95); & Philosophy (i love candy corn lip shine - $10.00)