INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Dream Kitchens 2!

During my first Dream Kitchens post, I discovered that I prefer the crisp and clean look of a traditional kitchen with white cabinets, ample lighting, a large island, checkered floors, and a splash of color. While my tastes have not wavered since then, I have broadened my reach just a bit, uncovering several other “dream details” that make the list.

From Left to Right: nameisgrace.blogspot.com, Elle Decor, theglitterguide.tumblr.com, decorpad.com, sweethomestyle.tumblr.com, brunchatsaks.blogspot.com, lilacandgrey.com, elementsofstyleblog.com, House Beautiful, Houzz, Pinterest via google (Ashley Begert), & House of Turquoise

1. French Bistro Chairs/Stools (Photos 3, 9, 11)
2. Pendant Lighting (Particularly those in photos 4, 6, & 8)
3. Blue and White Details (Photos 1, 9, 11) I adore the blue and white stools in Photo 1; they remind me of an updated version of my childhood kitchen.
4. Large family photographs nearby (Photo 3)
5. White bamboo chairs (Photo 2 & 4) 

Great Ways to set your kitchen apart:

• Lighting in the kitchen cabinets (Photo 10)
• Built-in floor to ceiling plate rack (Photo 4)
• Shelves or storage in the island (Photos 2 & 10)
• More windows! (Photo 5)
• Checkered floor - always a personal favorite (Photo 7)
• Go bold with color like this beautiful turquoise kitchen (Photo 12)

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Friday Favorites!

I hope you find inspiration from my Friday Favorites! I have been oohing and aahing over them all week long. 

FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKSHELVES
(Definitely “Dream” Office or Living Room Material)
Via MarieClaireMaison.com

THE HUNGER GAMES HUMOR
(I just finished this book yesterday and can't wait to see the movie. Better late than never!)
Via someecards.com

GREEN DOTTED RUFFLE SHORTS FOR BABY
(The entire Portmeirion Collection from Baby Gap is absolutely precious. I also LOVE the rosette one-piece with matching swim cap.)
Via Gap

FLOWER PINWHEEL WEDDING CAKE
(What a gorgeous and playful idea for a spring wedding cake!)
Via Martha Stewart Weddings

DIY SPOON MIRROR
(I still can’t stop looking at this. What an inventive idea, it could be especially charming in a kitchen.)
Via Country Living

PREPPY TIE & SHIRT
(I love this color scheme for fashion or interiors.)
Eight-in-hand.tumblr.com via capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com

KIDS: Flower Party!

Celebrate your child’s springtime birthday with a Flower Party complete with bloom-inspired treats, decorations, crafts, and more. To another year of growth!

From Left to Right: Martha Stewart, familyfun.go.com, BHG, Martha Stewart, ohhappyday.com, buttoncompany.co.uk, Ladies' Home Journal, soyouthinkyourecrafty.com, candacetodd.blogspot.com, rufflesandstuff.com & iambaker.net

EVENTS - Inspiration Board: Spring Picnic!

Allow your friendships to blossom over a carefree, spring picnic! 

With a few loving details, like these chalkboard-style glasses, edible flower garnishes, and free “Let’s Picnic” invitation tags from Eat Drink Chic, your picnic will feel like a fresh celebration of spring.

Need a few more ideas?  Follow the links for a luscious lemon bar recipe, DIY instructions for a chevron picnic blanket, pretty parasols, floral dresses, hanging mason jars, and Martha’s own picnic tips and recipes. 

From Left to Right: Southern Living, Anthropologie, BHG, Myrecipes.com (photo by Jennifer Davick), eatdrinkchic.com, ruffledblog.com (Jadetime Imports Parasols), intimateweddings.com, twigandthistle.com, Martha Stewart, acgnursery.com, & Martha Stewart (Whole Living)

INTERIOR DECORATING/HOME - Patio Chairs for Spring!

Today is the first day of spring! Evan and I celebrated late last night by picking up our new Crate&Barrel patio chairs. I cannot wait to sit outside on our balcony and soak up the sunshine over a good book and lemonade. Ready to join me? Try one of these colorful pick-me-ups for your patio!

Crate&Barrel ($22.95 on sale); Other colors available for $34.95

From Left to Right: All Modern ($299), Anthropologie ($248), All Modern ($63.99), All Modern ($635), Pier 1 Imports ($79.95), Crate&Barrel ($79.95), Home Decorators Collection ($270), Crate&Barrel ($94.95), & French Bistro Furniture ($198)

MERRIMENT MOMENTS: Lifelong Friends

I apologize for my brief absence, but I was enjoying a long weekend with my lifelong best friend, Alex. She was so kind to visit me out in LA, all the way from Washington DC. After a weekend filled with great conversation, light-hearted laughter, and some memory-lane strolling, I can't stop thinking about how blessed I am to share life with the handful of women I deem most dear. 

 Alex and I - The Early Years

Alex and I - Trip to LA

Sometimes, I think about how I met two of my best friends in kindergarten, another in 3^rd grade, and my husband in 6^th grade, and I wonder if I possessed some uncanny, childlike sense of discernment that drew me directly to the right ones. During college, I made a couple other lifelong best friends, using the same unsophisticated gut-level impressions, and I was thrilled when they served me so well again. 

I think the truth is that certain people are simply drawn to one another due to some inexplicable combination of commonalities and just the right mixture of differences. We seek to be simultaneously comforted and challenged by those rare individuals who completely accept us yet dare us to become better, just by being themselves. I believe that God places these people in our paths, but we must remain openhearted and honest, like a child, in order to recognize them.

Have a Merry Monday and let your friends know you love them!