INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Southern Designer Love

Southern Living’s May 2012 issue introduced me to several noteworthy Southern interior designers. Ever since, I have been poring over their web sites for home inspiration, oohing and aahing at their distinctive signature styles and bold embracement of color. Youthful yet classic, these rooms are great teaching tools for anyone who wants to liven up her home with some Southern personality.  

AMIE CORLEY

Images via amiecorley.com

BARRIE BENSON

Images via barriebenson.com

PHOEBE HOWARD

Images via phoebehoward.net

LINDSEY HARPER

Images via lchinteriors.com

TOBI FAIRLEY

Images via tobifairley.com

FASHION - Sheridan French

Over the weekend, I came across a photo of a gorgeous tunic on Prepfection. Marveling at the eye-catching fabric, it suddenly hit me that I knew the young woman clad in the vibrant blouse.

Sheridan French is the talented, Fort Worth-based designer behind the luxury brand of women’s resort fashion and accessories by the same name. To me, she’s my older twin sisters’ bubbly childhood friend from summer camp, but now, she is an acclaimed designer garnering some serious attention for her Bohemian chic designs. (Don’t miss the below mention in April’s Traditional Home!)

Via SheridanFrench.com

Made from hand-woven, fine fabrics from the island of Bali, the pieces exude a level of richness and originality that only comes with such intricate detailing. Best of all, you can feel merry about your purchases because Sheridan ensures fair trade and strict no-child labor practices in the construction of all of her articles. Radiating with substance and style, Sheridan French is a true celebration of the finest in fashion and home design.

For even more lifestyle goodness, check out Sheridan's refreshing blog The Southern Eclectic and her How I Wore it Section for clever fashion tips! 

Traditional Home via Sheridan French

KIDS: 'Walking on Sunshine' Fashion!

I came across this precious, yellow shift the other day online, and it inspired me to seek out other sunny fashions for kids. Spring and summertime are the seasons for sunshine, fresh lemonade, and bright new looks. Get out there and enjoy these carefree days with your little ones!

Sunny Sunshine Shift via La Petite Couture, $64

R1: Dress (CREWCUTS-$98), Flower Sandals (CARTER'S-$24), Ralph Lauren Shortall (DILLIARD'S-$22.99)

R2: Mini Boden Hoodie (NORDSTROM-$40), Tunic Set (CARTER'S-$12), Headband (RAGS LAND-$12)

R3: Mini Boden Dress (NORDSTROM-$38), Ralph Lauren Swim Trunks (BLOOMINDALE'S-$25.98), Sunsuit (CARTER'S-$10)

R4: Boys' Bubble (RAGS LAND-$20), Little Hunter Boots (HANNA ANDERSSON-$50), & Swim Suit (RAGS LAND-$42)

HOME - Finally Making the Switch to Reusable Grocery Bags

I’m finally making the switch to reusable grocery bags with these stylish, machine washable bags from Baggu. After searching through numerous options, I felt that Baggu seemed like the best overall choice with its cute and colorful designs, more reasonable prices (many independent designers were asking $20 for a single bag), and durable construction (holds 50 pounds/2-3 plastic grocery bags; made from ripstop nylon).

Check out the cute selections, here. I would love to hear your favorite reusable brands and DIY ideas under comments. Let's celebrate the earth through small solutions to keep it beautiful! 

Sailor Stripe & Electric Poppy via Baggu

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Weekend Tumblr Favorites

Enjoy these weekend favorites from three tumblrs that I have recently discovered and fallen for: browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com, prepfection.tumblr.com, and of course matchbookmag.tumblr.com. Happy Monday! 

BLUE AND WHITE BEDDING
Image via Browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com

GREEN AND WHITE CAKE
Image via Browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com

 

LIFETIME OF LOVE
Image via Browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com

BOW TIE PARTY IDEA
Image via Browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com

STYLISH PING-PONG BAR CART
Image via Prepfection.tumblr.com

CANOE ICE CHEST 
Image via Prepfection.tumblr.com

 

DECORATING QUOTE 
Image via Matchbook.tumblr.com

MATCHBOOK GIRL BOOKLIST 
Image via Matchbook.tumblr.com

EVENTS: Happy 1st Birthday, Merriment!

I feel dumbfounded by the fact that it has already been one year since I took a leap of faith and launched Merriment. What an adventure it has been! In all honesty, I created Merriment more out of a sense of desperation than a genuine act of faith. During my all-time low, I started this blog as a way to come up for air from my hopelessness and find the positive amidst my disorienting circumstances.

From my renewed perspective, it all sounds so melodramatic and overblown, but truthfully, I never would have found contentment with my “imperfect, not-part-of-my-plan” present if I hadn’t launched this blog and most importantly, relied upon my Father's guidance.

Image via sunshineandpearls.tumblr.com

Merriment serves as a daily reminder to honor the celebrations in life (a loving sister’s wedding, a romantic trip with one’s husband, and the well-spent life of a family pet) and appreciate the simplicities of life (a well-organized closet, a party with friends, and a home that inspires you to live graciously). My birthday wish for Merriment is that you will find even just one kernel of truth and hope beneath its seemingly frilly content. Embrace the substance in the small things and celebrate where you are in life at this moment, even if you know that you want a change in the future.