Image via JCREW

Images via Imperfectly Perfect on Etsy  

WISTERIA

After Wisteria, I headed to Riverfront Boulevard in Dallas to explore the nearly endless row of antique shops. Some of my favorite stops included Antiques Moderne, Again & Again, and Lost and Found…antiques. I highly recommend checking out these shops online to join the mailing lists or taking a lazy Saturday to explore their furnishings. Happy decorating!

WINGBACK CHAIRS FROM DALLAS ANTIQUE SHOPS

All photos via self

SCHUMACHER FABRICS
I love Schumacher's bright graphic fabrics especially their designs by Trina Turk and Kelly Wearstler. For more affordable pillows and accessories, check out the selections on Etsy.   

Images via fschumacher.com

WATERMELON SALSA
I made this yummy recipe for July 4th. Fresh and sweet with just enough spice, it's the perfect summer snack.

Image via allrecipes.com

FAVORITE SUMMER TANK
I absolutely love this tiered dot tank from JCREW. Comfortable and flattering, it pairs nicely with my bright blue or coral denim. 

Image via JCREW

C.S. LEWIS 
I received this book for Christmas, and I strongly recommend it to anyone with curiosity about life’s bigger picture. Filled with digestible, provoking insights and wisdom, it will draw you out of your temporary worries into a focus on what truly matters. If nothing else, it will make you think.

Image via Mardel.com

Image via bayleehart.blogspot.com

Here are the major Merriment Moments you’ve missed: 

AUNT MER

I could not be happier to announce that I’m going to be an aunt! My sister, Lindsey, and her husband, Christian, are expecting their first child in January.  In fact, the little one will be the first grandchild for our side of the family, so you can imagine how overjoyed we all are, especially my parents – who have been, not so subtly, requesting a grandchild ever since the “I do’s.” Blogs to come about the baby shower, nursery, and other sweet life moments! Any tips from awesome aunts out there? Please send them my way.

Image via Kohl's

ANOTHER NEW ADDITION - OLIVER

We have another new addition to the family, little Oliver, my parents’ new Maltese puppy. After losing Bandit in February, we knew that our dog, Cosmo, would need a new friend sometime soon. I hear he’s a handful, but I can’t wait to see for myself!

BOOKSHELF INSPIRATION FROM OUR NEW CONDO

I finally found the time last week to start decorating our new condo after the craziness of June. Here are a few snapshots of our bookshelves from my iPhone. It’s still a work in progress (notice the empty silver vases), but I hope it will inspire you to revamp your own home décor. Anxious about where to start? Work with what you have and surround yourself with what you love.

For me, Merriment materializes as books including children’s classics (grouped together in the basket below the Lighthouse book, so my husbands’ little siblings can reach them), family photos, interior design books, and other meaningful mementos such as the cross that my husband gave me on our wedding day. 

Thank you again for your patience with me this past month. I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day celebration with your family and friends. To a joyful July!

After much consideration and prayer, Evan and I have decided to take a leap of faith and return to our home state of Texas beginning in June. In a little over a week, I’m going to begin my Master’s of Education with the aim of a career in educational leadership/teaching alongside my outside writing pursuits. 

While the decision has been bittersweet, especially as Evan has thrived at NBCUniversal, we both look forward to living closer to family and friends, enjoying some deeply missed Texas barbecue, and seeing what God has in store for the next adventurous chapter in our lives together.

Image via Pinterest

Our time in California has been a blessing, the ultimate learning and growing experience for our first years of marriage and adulthood. We have been so fortunate to meet great people, enjoy some “pinch-me” life moments, and draw closer to one other and the Lord, as a result of stepping out on our own. Above all, I have grown to appreciate so many simple joys in life that I previously overlooked as ordinary. 

During this next phase, I’m excited to continue sharing my inspirations with you on Merriment! While my posts may not occur daily, as I devote my time to school, I will strive to bring you even better, more thoughtfully constructed content to brighten your days. (More Merriment Homes to come!)

Thank you for celebrating with us!

Stop by the Wisteria website, enjoy their blog, or visit their Dallas store. Don't miss the 'Rare Birds' section for one-of-a-kind finds!

Images via Wisteria

From Left to Right: Bellacor, Horchow, Ethan Allen, Wisteria, Etsy - The Pink Pagoda, Horchow, Home Decorators Collection, Ethan Allen, C Wonder, Gump's, Wisteria, & Horchow 

Prepfection.tumblr.com

PRECIOUS PIGGY – Once, on a family vacation to Hilton Head as a small toddler, I would NOT stop crying and crying until the moment I locked my eyes on a plump pig. I’ve loved them ever since. 
Via Browneyedbellejulie

Browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com

BEAUTIFUL BUN - I wish I knew how to do this; gorgeous for a wedding or special event!
Via Prepfection

Prepfection.tumblr.com

SCALLOPED SHORTS OUTFIT - Love this bright, preppy look!
Via Southerngraceandsunshine

Southerngraceandsunshine.tumblr.com

BLUE CHAIRS - It’s hard to beat the classic look of blue and white stripes with a pop of pattern.
Via Southerngraceandsunshine

Southerngraceandsunshine.tumblr.com

SOPHISTICATED BASSINET - Try a skirted bassinet (minus the typical ruffles) for a chic nursery style.
Via TheProperStranger

Theproperstranger.tumblr.com

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS - My current daily reminder; let’s memorize this together!
Via Heygorg

Heygorg.com

Tami Sparkman Yinger

Congratulations on winning this $50 gift card to Urbanwalls. I want to thank everyone who entered the contest by liking/commenting on Merriment’s Facebook Page and repinning on Pinterest. I can’t wait to get to know more of you through your comments and future contests. Have a merry weekend! 

Shop, connect, and learn more about Urbanwalls!  

• Blog Site: UWDECALS.COM

From Left to Right: portugueseprepster.blogspot.com, Southern Living, Southern Living, myexpression.com, Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection, browneyedbellejulie.tumblr.com, horseandhound.com, cocokelley.blogspot.com, ohsobeautifulpaper.com, Pottery Barn, & celebrateanddecorate.blogspot.com (Derby Table by Save the Date for Cupcakes)