INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Merriment Homes

Riding past residential neighborhoods as a young girl, I often imagined that life as a house would be fascinating, growing closely acquainted with so many families, observing the changes of the times, protecting the secrets of loved ones, and bravely adapting to each new resident while holding fast to pieces of the past.

Even more than the houses themselves, I have always been deeply interested in the ways that people live: the objects they choose to surround themselves with, the collections they keep, the shapes their houses take as they strive to meet their families' needs. Interior decorating and design are so intrinsically linked to the magnetic pull of preference. Do we choose what we love, or does it somehow choose us?

Stirred by my long held questions, I have decided to launch an exciting, new blog series, Merriment Homes. With gorgeous photographs of real homes and revealing interviews with the resourceful women behind each signature style, Merriment Homes will help you uncover your own distinct tastes and figure out how to incorporate the things you truly love into your home’s décor.

Click the image to read the first issue of Merriment Homes!

Before beginning, I want to thank all of the gracious women who have allowed me to display their houses for the benefit of my readers. As this was my first attempt to highlight real homes, I appreciate your patience and willingness to act as my guinea pigs. I also need to thank Cameron Salehi, my brilliant photographer, and my husband, Evan, for helping me navigate InDesign. Without either of you, this project would not have been possible. Thank you!    

FASHION - Scalloped Shorts!

Scalloped shorts are flying off the shelves for this spring and summer. Find your perfect pair below!

From Left to Right: Free People - $78, Lilly Pulitzer at NM - $74, Nasty Gal - $78, Free People - $119, Aqua - $58, Love Label - 27 euro, Asos - 32 euro, & Lilly Pulitzer - $68

From Left to Right: Forever 21 - $26.90, JCREW - $118, Jessica Simpson - $69, & Piperlime - $74

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Friday Favorites!

Bombarded by a busy week filled with work and errands, I’m afraid that my blog posts have been somewhat scant the past few days. Nevertheless, I have still “managed” to find time to celebrate my inspirations amidst this week's chores.

Yesterday, April 5^th, marked nine years with my amazing husband and about twelve years since we first met. How can I not feel merry when I know that my love is indeed the love of my life? From mere childhood into adulthood and with God’s grace, into old age, we continue to grow up together, and I feel very blessed to look upon the next nine years and beyond as one.

Other Musings from This Week:

PLANNING MY "SOMEDAY" TRIP TO CHARLESTON, SC
(Image via squidoo.com ; Ideas from Southern Living)

CRUSHING ON BACKPACKS WHILE LOOKING FOR A SOPHISTICATED MESSENGER
The North Face Purple Label - Cute teen gift idea! Hard to find, some shopping results here. 
(Image via 26.media.tumlbr; Spotted on my 17-year old cousin’s Pinterest)

OSCAR WILDE QUOTE
I’m somewhat ashamed at how much I agree with this...somewhat.
(Image via lapetitefashionistablog.tumblr.com)

MY FIRST BBQ CHICKEN
As a new cook, I was quite proud when I made BBQ chicken for the first-time ever this week, using my mother's deliciously simple recipe. 
(Image & another yummy barbecue chicken recipe via forkinit.blogspot.com)

SEARCHING FOR A POOLSIDE STRAW HAT
Too much? I think I like it anyway.
(Image via marleylilly.com) 

DOOR-SIDE TOPIARIES
I love this traditional look and the use of beautiful blue and white planters.
(Image prairieperch.blogspot.com via capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com )

THE CIRCLE MAKER
My mom sent me this book in my Easter basket. I can't wait to get started this afternoon!
(Image via amazon.com)

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
Excited about this quirky flick for the weekend
(Trailer via youtube.com)

FASHION - Easter Dresses!

Here are some last minute Easter dress inspirations as you shop your own closet or hit the stores! Stick with the season’s best – punchy prints, eyelet, and spring brights – (don't forget to keep the length and fit occasion-appropriate), and you’ll look like a beautiful breath of fresh air.  

From Left to Right: Milly, Eliza J ($118), Alice + Olivia, Trina Turk, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, Adrianna Papell ($118), Ann Taylor, Milly, Nanette Lepore, Kate Spade, Alice + Olivia, Lilly Pulitzer, & JCREW

KIDS: Toy Organization!

This week, I have been in high-gear organization mode: cleaning out my computer, categorizing all of my blog files, sorting through all of our paper records, and attempting to start our first-ever scrapbook as a married couple. Whew! The spring cleaning bug is certainly buzzing. Still need some motivation?

These great ideas will help you to organize and store your kids’ mounting pile of toys...before it collapses.

From Left to Right: housetohome.co.uk, alamodemaven.com, blogs.babble.com, Pinterest (similar tutorial at:sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com), Pottery Barn Kids(DIY imitation from: leafandletterhandmade.blogspot.com), Pottery Barn Kids, thestir.cafemom.com, chikaustin.blogspot.com, beeskneesbungalow.com, Pottery Barn Kids via keephomesimple.blogspot.com, decorpad.com, apartmenttherapy.com, apartmenttherapy.com, BHG, & BHG

Tips from these photos: 

• Display your child’s art projects on the wall with a magnetic strip, clothesline wire, or pushpins into a sliver of cork-board/bulletin board material. (Photo 1)

• Invest in some brightly woven baskets for toy storage (I love how this one has handles! – Photo 1)

• Opt for a more classic look with neutral baskets rather than the typical bright colors (Photo 2)

• Frame photos of your children and family above their toy storage for a sweet touch (Photo 2)

• If dress-up is more of a way of life in your household, create a child-size, dress-up rack for easy costume access whenever the imagination takes hold (Photo 3)

• Make your own clear, drawstring toy bags (Perfect for travel and works in the house as well – Photo 4), See tutorial at sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com.

• Expand space with these Bulk Bins from Pottery Barn Kids or construct your own version using vegetable crates (Photo 5), See tutorial at leafandletterhandmade.blogspot.com

• Try a toy chest — the consummate toy catchall. Growing up, I stored my toys in a similar chest, and I can’t help but feel partial to this oldie but goodie. (Photo 6)

• Label toys with images rather than words for pre-readers (Photo 7 – another great example of staying neutral with the baskets)

• Intermix books, toys, and storage bins into cubbies for a playful and accessible display (Photo 8) I also LOVE the globes for an inexpensive décor choice.

• Create “shelf swings” for your child’s stuffed animals and dolls (Photo 9)

• Take advantage of every space with large, pullout toy drawers/bins underneath play tables, beds, etc. (Photo 10)

• Go vertical with tall bookshelves filled with colorful children’s books (Photo 11)

• If possible, leave ample space between play-sets. You want to designate certain areas of the room for specific activities — reading area, dollhouse area, train set, etc. (Photo 11)

• Color-coordinate toy/book cubbies (Photo 12)

• Inspire your kids with fabric-covered letters spelling out words of encouragement (Photo 12)

• Give rolling toy crates a whirl (Photo 13)

• Use personalized buckets instead of the usual baskets and bins (Photo 14)

• Mount two bookshelves next to one another to assemble a Toy Storage Central (Photo 15)

WEDDINGS/EVENTS - Easter

Eggs, blossoming flowers, baby bunnies and chicks; all of these beautiful traditions represent new life and rebirth. Let’s celebrate the Hope of the World this coming Easter by delighting in the meaning behind these festivities and rejoicing in His loving sacrifice.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:6

From Left to Right: Chicken Salad-Stuffed Eggs (Southern Living), Easter Dresses by Lilly Pulitzer (Garnet Hill), DIY Easter Lily Backdrop (Ruffled Blog), Colorful Crosses (BeadAmigas, Etsy), 'Happy Easter' Vase Filler (Pottery Barn), Flower Eggs (Country Living), Easter Basket Slipcover (Martha Stewart), Easter Sunday Madras Beau (Starboard Clothing Co.), He is Risen Place-card (Jones Design Company), Easter Egg Cupcakes (Taste and Tell Blog), Carrot Chair Decoration (Zsa Zsa Bellagio.blogspot.com), Easter Egg Vase (BHG), Easter Cookies (Southern Living), & Easter Candy Parade (Martha Stewart)

In case you missed it, check out last year's Easter post for more great ideas. Again this year, I encourage everyone, whether you go to church every Sunday, haven't attended since you lived at home, have never seen the point, or belong to a different faith, to explore the deeper significance of Easter at a church service. Broadening your horizons never hurts, and at the very least, you'll commemorate the spring season by trying something new. Happy Easter!