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Tuesday
Aug302011

HOME - Dutch Split Doors & Garden Houses

Who can resist the effortless charm of a Dutch Split Door or the cozy romance of a quaint Garden House? Not this daydream believer, and I guarantee that even the most pragmatic decorator appreciates the pleasant simplicity of these spaces. In the least, the realist will recognize the increased utility of having a split door and a garden house. 


From Left to Right: Pinterest, Elle Decor, Coastalliving.com, Vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com, 79ideas.org, everythingfab.com, Pinterest (romantic conservatory), & Pinterest

With a Dutch Split Door, you can transfer items back and forth without allowing small children or dogs to get out (instant baby gate!), and you can allow the fresh air into your home thus saving on expensive AC costs. Split doors are perfect for laundry rooms and kitchens where you need to transport laundry and groceries to and from the space. Garden houses provide a designated space to store all of your gardening tools and a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors.

Even with their notable functionality, I’m still most impressed by the allure and charm they can add to your home.  If a door can make you feel even a bit more hopeful, romantic or calm, then I believe it’s a practical investment worth some serious consideration. 

Monday
Aug292011

FASHION - Bows!

Bows are back this fall, looking sleeker than ever with their polished, ladylike finesse. From this Jackie O-esque Ascot Swing Coat and the classy menswear accessories to the glamorous dresses and fitted blouses, there’s nothing ‘little girly’ about these sophisticated styles. So, go ahead and take your bow. You deserve some applause!


From Left to Right: Anthropologie, Kate Spade, bhldn.com, Kate Spade, Hera Heels at bhldhn.com, Tory Burch, JCREW, JCREW, Kate Spade, Red Valentino (Saks), St. John (Saks), Diane von Furstenberg (Saks), Anthropologie, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, & Kate Spade

Thursday
Aug252011

KIDS - LMNOP Magazine & Blog

I recently discovered the cutest, design-savvy kids’ magazine, filled with original yet practical resources for families. LMNOP – Laugh-Make-Nurture-Organise-Play –is a fun, inspirational publication that has gained popularity in over 165 countries!

“Looking for a how-to birthday party idea that will get everyone talking? How about inventive ideas with cardboard boxes? You’ll find loads of inspiration for novel ways to play…Not to mention the very latest fashions…fabulous furnishings, ingenious toys, book reviews, business profiles, things to see and do around town and top travel destinations for families” (LMNOP About Page).

You can subscribe to the magazine via their website, or you can simply browse their blog for amazing ideas, like this color wheel of kids’ goodies. If you still want more, subscribe to their free weekly e-newsletter or just peruse their website. The current LMNOP issues focuses on one of my very favorite topics, children’s books; you won’t want to miss it! 

All image via www.lmnop.com.au/

Wednesday
Aug242011

WEDDINGS/EVENTS - Fall in Love!

The expression ‘fall in love’ has taken on a whole new meaning with these astonishingly beautiful, autumn wedding inspirations. While planning my own wedding, I was very attached to my June date as summer has always been my favorite season. But, after finding so many romantic and classic autumn ideas, I have completely fallen for fall weddings. Crisp, gorgeous weather; romantic candles and table-settings; warm golden color schemes; rich floral arrangements; delicious seasonal desserts (like candy apples or mini-pecan pies), and an ambiance marked by elegant exuberance. Stunning!


Top Row: Style Me Pretty, Landlockedbride.com, Style Me Pretty; Second Row: Style Me Pretty; Third Row: Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty; Fourth Row: Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty; Fifth Row: Style Me Pretty, Pinterest(google), Style Me Pretty; Sixth Row: Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty, Last Row: The Knot, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, & Style Me Pretty

Tuesday
Aug232011

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Moving Day

With both of my sisters purchasing their first houses and my grandparents moving out of their house of many years, my family has been trapped in moving mode. Moving is definitely a stressful and demanding process, but if you stay organized and keep focused on the excitement of your new life chapter, moving can become a rewarding (or at least manageable) experience.

I still haven't visited my sisters' beautiful, new houses, but I'm due for a trip early next month. I'll be sure to snap some photos and share their decorating progression with all of you. You won't want to miss it!


Lindsey & Christian's New House

Lindsey & Christian's New Backyard/Pool

Natalie's New House

Moving Tips & Tools from the Organizational Queen, Martha Stewart  

Movers-Edge: 101 Best Moving Tips  (Great suggestions!)

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, remember to focus on the excitement of your new chapter and find little things you can feel merry about, like these cute moving announcements from Minted and this gorgeous, personalized announcement that features a custom letterpress of your new home. After all, there's no place like home...even if you have to unpack loads of boxes to get there.

Monday
Aug222011

FASHION - Crazy for Cardigans

My go-to wardrobe staple is definitely the cardigan. While you should be wary of purchasing anything too bulky, frumpy or ultra-conservative, there are plenty of sleek and stylish cardigans out there that will fit within your fashion-forward wardrobe.

Cardigans add that pulled-together polish that transforms your clothes into a cohesive outfit. Living in Texas and now California, cardigans are ideal for the milder fall weather. I love their adaptability; they work perfectly for more formal settings like work and church, but they also look cute with a great pair of jeans for a movie date night or football game. Be careful not to buy the same color and style cardigan over and over again. Even if cardigans are your go-to fall find, you want to avoid monotony in your closet. Be bold, switch things up, and go crazy for cardigans!  


From Left to Right: Tory Burch, JCREW, JCREW, Banana Republic, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, M Missoni, Banana Republic Mad Men Collection, Milly, JCREW, JCREW, Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, & Banana Republic