INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Sisters' Decorating Update

Visiting both of my sisters’ new houses was definitely one of the highlights of my trip back to Texas. Check out their decorating progress below!

Natalie's House

 Natalie’s house is the ultimate Bachelorette Pad, glamorous and romantic with shimmery and plush Hollywood details. She has already purchased some gorgeous items, many from Z Gallerie and others from Anthropologie, Horchow, and One Kings Lane. If you’re looking to add a little more glam into your own home even if it’s just for one specific room, then you can definitely learn from Natalie’s furniture and decor choices!

Eddie Accent Chair - White (Z Gallerie); Simplicity Mirrored Side Chest (Z Gallerie); Pierre Sofa (Z Gallerie; Natalie's sofa is in a blue color, not shown); White Chinese Garden Stool (One Kings Lane); Ella Bed (Z Gallerie); Omni Leaner Mirror (Z Gallerie); Concerto 6 Drawer Dresser (Z Galleries); Fairmont Mirror (Z Gallerie); & Rose Pandora Settee (Horchow)

Finnia Rug; Curvy Chrysanthemum Vase; & Flutter Pattern Rug Runner (Anthropologie)

Lindsey's House

Lindsey’s house is the perfect newlywed retreat and entertainment gathering spot. Complete with a sparkling pool, several mini-wine cellar and entertainment areas, and a spacious guest room adorned with Kate Spade bedding, I felt like the guest of honor staying at her house. Her style choices are chic yet cozy; just take a look at those fabulous Parker Chairs from Crate & Barrel. Finally, if you LOVE turquoise, you will absolutely find inspiration from Lindsey’s beautiful bedding (Z Gallerie) and décor items.

 Front of House; Living Room - Crate&Barrel Parker Chairs; Closer view of Parker Chairs; & Guest Room - Kate Spade Gardner Street Bedding

FASHION - Adventures with Navy Nails & Cowboy Boots

Texas Trip Inspiration:

Navy Nails
On Friday morning, I pampered myself with a manicure/pedicure at my favorite nail salon in Midland. After taking the GRE on Wednesday and enduring several routine doctors’ appointments on Thursday, I was craving a relaxing break. Surrounded by pale pinks, rosy reds, and my customary corals, I felt myself ignoring these safer options and zeroing in on the dark grey-blue/navy shade. Elle, along with other fashion experts, have deemed navy nails as in-style for fall 2011.

While some of the onlookers appeared unconvinced by navy’s virtues, the manicurists loved it. I also received several compliments over the weekend. But more importantly, I enjoyed stepping outside of the box and trying something bold. If something as trivial and temporary as nail color can enliven your routine and make you feel just a bit more daring, then that’s a merriment that might not be so trivial after all.     

 Images: Closet Shopping Green & Black Dress, via OPI, Closet Shopping Cowboy Boots, via Anthropologie, via Pinterest, & via Elle.

Closet Shopping/Swapping Finds
After this trip back to Texas, I’m an even more enthusiastic proponent of closet shopping and swapping. If you’re skeptical or hesitant about the process, I dare you to at least give it a try. During this visit, I rummaged through my own closet and rediscovered the gorgeous green and black dress shown above. A couple years ago, I wore it for multiple occasions including my engagement photos and a Mad Men party. Growing tired of it, I returned it to my childhood closet. With fall’s ladylike trend, this dress is once again the perfect go-to look. Plus, it was free!

At the end of the trip, my husband called and surprised me with UT-UCLA football tickets! With my current cowboy boot obsession (SEE BELOW), I decided to scavenge my mother’s closet for some boots and other Texas accessories. I found these old yet stylish (and very well maintained) boots and funky, country belt shown above.

When you need items for special occasions or costume parties, closet shopping is a fantastic solution! Don’t waste money on something that you will only wear once or twice. Borrow from your fashionable friend and lend her something in exchange!

Cowboy Boots
I am such a hypocrite! I was born and raised in Texas, but I was NEVER a fan of cowboy boots. I deemed anything country or rustic as ‘not my style’ in sort of a turn-up-my nose kind of way. Now, miles away in California, absence has tugged at my heartstrings, and I have become a devoted fan of country music and a major admirer of cowboy boots. I’m on the hunt for a stylish pair for both myself and my husband, but for now, I’m borrowing from my mother’s closet. Whether you own several pairs, fear venturing out, or turn up your nose like I did, consider rocking cowboy boots this fall.  They might just surprise you.

Mustard/Gold Denim
I love mustard/gold tinted denim for the fall. The crisp hue reminds me of autumn leaves and complements my coloring. I tried on a great pair at a Midland boutique, but they didn’t fit quite right. Whether red, green, mustard, or bright, colored denim is everywhere this fall. Find the shade that works for you and break free from your same old denim! 

Merriment Moment of the Week - We're Back!

Merriment is back after a weeklong hiatus! I apologize for the sudden and lengthy disappearance, but I promise to make it up to you by sharing all of the merry happenings that took place while I was away in Texas. After a quick jaunt to Dallas and a well-spent week in my hometown of Midland, I have SO much inspiration to share!

Image via etsy.com

From celebrating the joyful marriage of a dear college friend, Eli Garza, and taking in the beauty of his worshipful and cultural wedding to exploring my sisters’ new houses and their impressive decorating progress to venturing out with navy nails, my trip was filled with blog-worthy moments. Add some much-needed time with family, friends, and pups; an art festival and indie movie screening in West Texas (I’m not lying); and the 10-year remembrance of September 11^th, and you have a brief glance into my exciting and meaningful week in Texas. Stay tuned each day for the full scoop! You won't want to miss these posts; after all, everything's bigger in Texas...even the inspirations.

Merriment Moment of the Week - Friday Favorites

 On My Radar:

• Inexpensive Beauty Buys & InStyle's Best Beauty Buys Lists

This week, I was on the hunt for the best inexpensive beauty buys. I ran out of all of my products at once, and I decided to save instead of purchasing my typical pricy department store items. Looking your best for less can seem like a daunting, even impossible task, but I found encouragement through InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys List. 

In addition to the overall bests, it includes the best inexpensive finds for each category. Flipping through the inexpensive finds from the past years, I found some great suggestions! And after a grocery store run, I came back with gorgeous, stylist-approved mascara, powder, concealer, and eyeliner (not from the list) for less than $40, and that’s a beautiful thing!

Image via InStyle

• Matchbook Magazine & The Daily Spark

I can’t believe I haven’t shared Matchbook Magazine on Merriment yet. I’ve been reading and re-reading the issues every month since its debut in February. Brimming with an uncharacteristic amount of my two favorite ingredients – style and substance, Matchbook is quite possible my favorite lifestyle magazine. You will drool over the cleverly-themed and exceptionally stylish Editors’ Wishlists, satisfy your cultural curiosities with the always fascinating 10 Things You Didn’t Know About…, and ultimately find yourself charmed by this field guide to a charmed life. Don’t miss this month’s Field Guide to Autumn Living or the inspirational  Daily Spark!

Images via Matchbook

• Gap Kids - New Brick Lane Collection
  Very posh yet practical new line from Gap Kids! I love these boys' & girls' looks for back-to-school. 

Images via Gap Kids

• Inspiration - I need to frame this for my closet...

Image via Pinterest

KIDS - Organizational Tips!

My week has been hectic, so I know that all of you, with kids in the full swing of school and activities, are really stretched thin. Here are a few simple yet ingenious ways to gain back some calm and control through organization. Even if you don’t have kids, several of these suggestions will translate into your busy life as well. 

From Left to Right: Martha Stewart, budgetwisehome.com, blog.closetfactoryarkansas.com, bhg.com, iheartorganizing.blogspot.com, hgtv.com, themcclenahans.blogspot.com, ohdeeoh.com, ohdeeoh.com, Pottery Barn, ohdeeoh.com, tineye.com, timberlace.blogspot.com, Pottery Barn, laissezfairedesign.blogspot.com, & iheartorganizing.blogspot.com

• Shoe-Bag Car Organizer to hold kids’ toys/car necessities within easy reach

• Clear, labeled zip-up bags stocked for every situation (First Aid, Outdoors, Snacks, Activity Bag, Baby Items, Travel Games, etc.)

• Mudroom/Exit Bins Labeled with Photos to hold each family member’s on-the go items (coats, shoes, umbrellas, soccer balls, dog leashes, etc.)

• Cereal dispenser used as a trash can for the car – Brilliant!

• Files with photographs to organize and label each of your child’s (or your classroom’s) schoolwork and records. Separate each file by grade with the teacher’s name/other important info. labeled on the front cover.

• Cute, labeled Chest of Drawers 

• Tidy closet – always a stress-reliever! I love those green bins; I have some that I absolutely love from Target. The curtains are also a great idea for when the closet doesn’t look quite that perfect (probably on weeks like this one)

• Buckets labeled with chalk for different toys and outdoor items
  (Chalkboard paint is a great item to create instant chalkboard surfaces, so you can label and erase away. Useful for so many organizational projects!)

• Kitchen Drawer just for the kids (with all of their cups, plates, etc. low enough to reach and easily managed with the separate, designated spaces)

• Cute Toy Bins from Pottery Barn

• Individual Mailboxes (message center) for Kids’ Playroom

• Inspiring Kids’ Bookshelves with baskets to organize the toys

• Bathroom towel organization tip

• Cute Toy Bins from Pottery Barn

• Art Supply Idea

• Lunches Tub – Have a labeled tub in your refrigerator, stocked with all of the items you use to prepare your kids’ lunches for the entire week. Then, when it comes time to pack lunches, you just pull out your tub and everything is easily accessible for a speedy packing time.

Another hint: my mother always packed our lunches the night before and stored them in the fridge for the next morning. It was a serious lifesaver, and my lunch always tasted fresh and delicious.

We did almost everything the night before – laid out our clothes, packed lunches, packed backpacks/sports bags/after-school activity necessities, etc. It definitely made our mornings much more relaxing. I think it will work for you as well. And if you're still feeling stressed, then just remember tomorrow is Friday!

WEDDINGS/EVENTS - Balloons!

Enjoy these imaginative ideas on how to incorporate a tried and true party staple, balloons, into your next celebration. Your guests will love the added pop!

From Left to Right: ohhappyday.com, sweetstylings.com, 100layercake.com, 100layercake.com, theberry.com, wedding.decoratrends.com, geronimoballoons.com, welovewreaths.com, jordanferney.blogspot.com, & appleday.tumblr.com