One Room Challenge || Spring Week 4

Umm, it is really Week 4?  Did I close my eyes and 7 whole days just flew by?! 

Palm Beach Chic for the Showhouse

As expected, the Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens does not disappoint.  It could only succeed with the heavy list of incredible designers invited to add their mark of excellence to this over 20,000 square foot home located in Tuxedo Park in Atlanta.  The house officially opened on Saturday morning and I was treated to a sneak peek on Friday morning as part of the press brunch.  

Random Thoughts #042516

I had such a busy and incredible weekend!!!  The Southeastern Designer Showhouse and Gardens opened Friday with an amazing event and of course we had the most fun.  To be honest, is any time spent with best friends bad?  I have so many pictures and details to share ... hopefully will have them up tomorrow!!

She Shed Dreaming

Our home is quite the refuge for me ... but there is always a possibility to add an additional space to add in more relaxation.  Since both my husband and I are from Florida our home is a place with a large Palm Beach Chic vibe. Tons of color and then more color.  Of course any outdoor space would also include color and a mixture of vintage and new.  And if you could please add in a pool with an incredible pool house that would just make the perfect oasis for moi.

Chairish asked me to express my vision for a She Shed and I immediately jumped on board. Anything I get to design and accessorize according to what speaks to me is a win, win for sure.  I have a vision in my head, one filled with all the elements I love.

Let me paint it for you ... 

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Design Feature ... Elizabeth Ralls

Elizabeth Ralls is the epitome of style with a depth that is hard to describe.  In 2013 Elizabeth was appointed Editor in Chief of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta's only monthly home and garden publication with an impressive tradition dating back to 1983, replacing its longtime editor Clinton Smith who left the publication for Veranda Magazine.  The seamless transition is a tribute to her strong sense of style and leadership skills. 

One Room Challenge || Spring Week 3

Holy week 3!!  What is happening here ... time seems to be flying by at a rapid pace!  I better get my booty in gear or it will be week 4 way before I am ready!!

Dream Big!!

My darling bestie Emily just opened her flagship store in Savannah, Georgia.  The grande opening was Saturday and sadly I was forced to miss the amazing festivities.  I am dying over the incredible photos filled with family, friends and incredible smiles.  Of course, the biggest smile of the group is that of Emily.  Her dream to own a shoppe is complete, she is now a true Shop Girl.

Design Book Crushing ...

As I am packing up all the decorative items from the den to prepare for painting, I am excited to see all the design books I have collected.  I am slowly but surely gathering quite the collection. All of my favorites are getting boxed up temporarily to once again show themselves in a few weeks in new spots for the reveal.

TPC on Hanover Avenue ...

I was positively giddy when Anne Tollett of Hanover Avenue asked to interview me.  I positively love her video interviews and was truly honored when she wanted to include me.  So ... on St. Patrick's Day I put on my favorite green gingham shirt and sat down to chat with Anne.

Coverups with Tiffany Erickson

It's that time of year that we are all craving time in the sun.  Some serious vitamin D and quality time with our lovies next to water is what summer is all about for me.  I know I have cover ups on the brain with all of the amazing options available.  I do love a new suit, but a cover up?  I will take four please!!

I have a huge treat for you today!  My darling stylist Tiffany has compiled her favorite cover ups for you and has sourced each one for quick and easy shopping!!  If you aren't following TE Style, you need to!  She is my absolute go to for any fashion question I can't answer for myself.  Her updates are must sees and her Instagram posts are just the best!!  Her blog is a must read as she post regular blogs sharing her picks and eye for amazing fashion!  And ps ... she is adorable!!

Tiffany ... 

Cover Ups!

Gone are the times of needing to find the perfect swimsuit … these days it’s all about the cover up. Whether you’re really trying to cover something or just turn some heads, here are some ways to make a splash without ever getting wet …

These petite orange tassels on the understated floral print say it all!

http://bit.ly/1V3qYoS

Loving the simplicity of this tunic  to let a patterned suit take center stage.

http://bit.ly/1Xxe8wS

This stretch voile beach tunic with a flattering waistline is sheer perfection!

http://gap.us/1Wtp8gr

the color… the trim… the length

http://bit.ly/1p0sF8d

Because sometimes a subtle sheer tunic is all you need ... 

http://bit.ly/1SCqQGh

Yes. Please.

http://bit.ly/1SCqSOv

Never met a silk kimono-sleeve look I didn’t like!

http://bit.ly/1S9bWYS

In 2 different colors, this caftan is pure billowy goodness!

http://bit.ly/1qUeALJ

This effortless dress can go from beach... to pool… to town

http://bit.ly/1qUeALJ

easy and breezy with tassels galore ... 

http://bit.ly/1qJuFmY

Another maxi that can go so many ways… every which way but wrong!

http://bit.ly/1Vnm0Dl

A J. Crew classic like a color block tunic is a must!

http://bit.ly/1qJuN5X

Love this line of protective wear ... 

http://bit.ly/1V3rN0N

Nothing says water wear like a classic navy and white stripe!

http://bit.ly/1SNP94l

I always love anything Tiffany chooses and this selection may be the best yet.  To read more about her, check out her Green with Envy post and the selections she made for me for the Design Bloggers Conference.  I just adore Tiffany and her amazing eye. 

Amaze Tiff ... see you next month. 

For another treat check out the interview with Parker Kennedy Living on The Southern C that aired yesterday.  It is good!!  I love sharing these amazing boys with the world.  My best friends and the hardest working people I know.  It doesn't get any better than that.  Plus their talent ... I mean they are wicked fabulous!!

Happy Thursday lovies!

One Room Challenge || Spring Week 2

Well, that week flew by in the blink of an eye.  I wasn't quite ready for it to be week two.  Can I have a do over please?  #wowza

Photo by Christina Wedge 

 It is most definitely week 2 and I have definitely made some progress.  To play catch up, I am in the process of transforming our den as part of the One Room Challenge. The before photo you see above probably makes you think the room doesn't need to be done, but I promise you its all smoke and mirrors. That 1982 brown den is about to re-emerge as a fierce girl perfect for 2016.  Once that baby is lacquered in a bright and shiny white you will definitely see a major difference and I will probably question what took me so long to finally make it happen.  Can you tell I am excited!!

Last week I shared the design board with you and the massive to do list I have made for myself.  I am thrilled with the things I accomplished this week and in true solid week 2 form I am feeling fabulous about the transformation taking place.  Trust me by week 4 or 5 I will be sweating and living off caffeine momentarily thinking I have once again lost my mind.  Just you wait ...

So this week I need to make a keep/toss list for you and let you know all I have accomplished. It was a big week for decisions and scheduling.  The painting starts this weekend so I needed to get organized and make a lot of fabric choices and furniture decisions.  It was to do lists and lots of choices and plenty of decisions.  Bam, bam and #bam.

First the keep/toss list ...

Photo by Christina Wedge 

Sofa ... moved to basement den

Coffee table ... moved to basement den 

White chairs ... master bedroom 

Scalamandre pillows ... to be SOLD 

TBH side tables ... moved to office 

Butlers tray ... moved to guest bedroom 

Palm print pillows ... KEEP

Blue pillows ... to be SOLD

Blue rug ... moved to dining room 

Black stools ... Storage
Drapes ... were to stay, but now to Storage (something fun coming!!)

Green lamps ... to be SOLD

Barristers bookcase ... Storage

Painting above ... to be SOLD

Photo by Christina Wedge 

Console ... Undecided (you will know why next week)

Stools ... KEEP

Painting above mantle ... moved to master bedroom

Majolica plates ... to be SOLD

Swan ... moved to dining room

Yellow CR Laine chairs ... KEEP

Toparies ... moved to office

Green bases ... returned to BFF I borrowed them from about forever

Pups and candlesticks ... KEEP

That gives you an idea of how all the pieces in the room were moved, used, stored or corralled to be sold.  It was a lot more than I knew how to deal with.  All of the accessories are boxed and I will sort thru them when I style during week 5 ish.  Probably like the night before the reveal if you must know the absolute truth.

Fabric ...

Once I found the green velvet for the sofa and decided on the side chairs the rest was a piece of cake. I hinted around last week that I am planning to use two Tailored for TBH chairs but you will just have to wait to see which ones and what they will look like.  I can not wait to get them in my hot little hands.

The rest of the fabrics are here.  I know, I know ... you are probably sweating and thinking I have basically lost my mind and thrown a bunch of swatches together and called it a plan.  Not true at all. When you see each piece come together it will be ah-mazing.  And don't forget, I love mixing patterns.  There are actually more solids here than I am comfortable with, but I also don't do white rooms.  Basically I am way outside my box.

Trims still to be determined, but the rest of the room is set.  Of course, something will change but that is the name of the game.  I can't wait to get the furniture in the room and start playing!!!

I am also obsessed with this fabric I found yesterday.  I am trying my darnedest to find a spot for it. I just love every single thing about it ... maybe a small pillow.  Maybe drapes for the office next to it that you see from the den.  I can't decide.  I just know I need this baby and stat!!

I am joined by an incredible group of designers this round ... I am pinching myself that I am part of this amazing line up.  Make sure you follow along with their journey, that is by far my favorite part. Each week it is like Christmas watching each room transform. 

Claire Brody | The Curated House | Design Manifest | Driven by Decor | Honey We’re Home | Hunted Interior | The Makerista Making it Lovely | My Sweet Savannah | Pencil and Paper Co.|The Pink Clutch | Savvy Home | Simplified Bee | Sketch 42 | Jill Sorensen|| Orlando Soria | Thou Swell | The Vault Files | Waiting on Martha | The Zhush | Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH 

You can also follow along with our journey on Instagram using the hashtag #oneroomchallenge. And, make sure you are following House Beautiful magazine on Instagram and Pinterest.  They will be showcasing bits and pieces along the way along with live pinning!  This will be an incredible round, and I will be sharing tons of sneaks and pictures during the weeks as the room comes together.  The good, the bad and, yes, the ugly.  Yep, it will all be there for you to see.  You can read about week 1 on the House Beautiful home page here.  I am still so excited reading their thoughts from our first week.  It's so good!!!  

And check the 249 incredible rooms in the Linking Participants.  Holy fabulousness!!!

Off to get things taped off for paint ... major changes for next week.  Take one last look at the before pic.  The brown is about to be ... see ya!!! 

Spring Sandals under $100

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Anyone else so excited about shorts and sandal weather they can hardly stand it?  I am dying to sport new sandals and tons of cute and fab spring and summer outfits.  I see a constant rotation of pink, orange, rose and turquoise painted toes.  I say a big juicy #yesplease to all of it!

I have gathered my favorite sandals for the season all of which are under $100.  Shop quick ... some of them are only on sale for that price.  And just like every single thing fabulous for the season, these too will sell out.  

Aren't you dying?  I have already purchased three of them and three more of them are on my must have list for spring and summer.  And those Top Shop ankle strap babies are already sold out in the poppy color I really wanted.  #ugh

Make sure you turn off your ad blocker to shop the post! 

Happy Shoes-day to you lovies!!!

Hermes Scarf as Art!

The colors in an Hermes scarf are incredible.  The bold. rich colors and patterns set the scarves apart. The square silk accessory is much sought after both as a status symbol and for many a collector.  I remember the first time I spotted the well known scarf, it was not worn as a scarf, but instead made into the largest and most amazing pillow I had ever seen.  Upon research I realized it wasn't actually fabric at all, but quite possibly the most expensive and exquisite scarf I had ever seen.  It was love at first sight. 

According to the book The Hermes Scarf: History and Mystique by Nadine Coleno, the scarf "is a style icon".  The book goes on to say this ... 

Worn by royalty and celebrities, coveted and admired, and now avidly collected, this deceptively simple square of silk is much more than just a fashion accessory: it is the stuff of legend.

Since the first scarf made its debut in 1937, the House of Hermès has produced more than two thousand different designs. This book explores this lavish history through a sumptuous selection of scarves chosen from seven decades of creative innovation, from the classic designs that embody the Hermès tradition to the wildly imaginative stylings of contemporary designers.

A scarf is never the work of one individual; at every stage of its creation, talent and craftsmanship combine to create a handfinished work of art. These qualities shine through in the sumptuous illustrations which lead the reader into a richly coloured world packed with a multitude of motifs.

From vibrant opulence to subtle harmony, every scarf conveys a mood and every one tells a story. 

source for all images

For quite some time I have wanted to frame an Hermes scarf for our home.  The current #oneroomchallenge seems the perfect time to do so.  I have my eye on a few, but still need to settle on the perfect one for the space.  I love how each of the scarves above create the most incredible and one of a kind art for the rooms in which they are displayed.  

I found some incredible examples at perfect prices.  Check out this one, this one and of course this one. And of course, you can always hunt them at high end resale shops like this one in Atlanta. 

I can't wait to see the one I chose framed and hanging in our completed den. 

Stay tuned ... 

TPC Loves TBH Tailored

Taylor Burke Home is known for its incredible luxury home decor brand and they have just launched an incredible younger sister option.  You may now purchase the same quality, made in America pieces for a fraction of the cost.  Smart decision?  I would call it nothing short of brilliant.

Madison Chair upholstered Lacefield Serengeti in Seaside

Welt fabric TBH Navy Velvet

Blush Label pillow in Martin 

Masters Season

Today is the opening day for the Masters, and for us here in Georgia, it is a huge day.  The weather is absolutely perfect with the azaleas in full blown.  Gorgeous greens and blue skies for days.  For the next four days the world will be glued to the television watching the sport unfold on the most famous golf course in the world. 

One Room Challenge || Spring Week 1

Photo by Jeff Herr

I am literally in shock that six months have flown by since I completed our kitchen and breakfast room and it is time for another round of Calling it Home's One Room Challenge.  Our kitchen was published in the March issue of Atlanta Magazine.  It honestly feels like the love from the room just keeps coming!  I am beyond excited about this round ... I think it is the combination of the room I chose and the energy.  It feels so fabulous to have the start of the challenge here, I am so ready to get started!  I sort of feel like I have been keeping the best secret it town and now I can officially shout the news from the roof tops ... I am participating once again!!!   

If you aren't familiar with the ORC, let me catch you up.  Linda from Calling it Home organized this challenge five years ago to complete a room in her home.  She invited 19 other bloggers to complete the six week challenge with her to give herself  some accountability.  It was a hit that quickly became a much watched event among the blogging community and beyond.  Fast forward to its now 10th season and the One Room Challenge has grown by leaps and major bounds.  Linda works tirelessly for each of us to create an incredible challenge and this season she has outdone herself!!  The One Room Challenge has its first media sponsor ... the amazing and fabulous House Beautiful magazine.

See what I am saying about incredible energy?? I am literally giddy!!

Let's get started!

image via Christina Wedge 

I have chosen our den to transform this round.  In the last six months more and more photos have emerged of this room.  It is a large room with a huge bay window, a fireplace and built in bookcases. As you can see the room has dark walls with judges paneling.  When we bought the house my husband immediately fell in love with the dark and cozy space.  Although I loved the walls I have always felt that they date the house and nothing that dates you is a good choice.  When my husband finally announced he was ready to let go of the dark paneling I immediately began a design board for the transformed space.

I have loved this room and there are many elements and pieces I will move to other spaces to enjoy. If I have to be very honest I feel like I have created a great space, but it was always like putting lipstick on a pig to me.  I worked with the dark walls and made it us.  Painting these walls will be life changing and I can not wait to crack the first can of paint!!!!

These walls are undergoing a major change as I will be completely my first white room.  Yes, let that soak in for a moment ... I am painting a room other than my kitchen all white!  I will admit I have had a few moments of my heart racing both in a good and bad way.  I love some color, I know ... #duh, and this white room is way outside my box.  But, it is also an amazing thing.  This room needs a major shot in the arm of life in the year 2016 and there is nothing that will achieve my goal more than a fresh, happy coat of white lacquer.

To achieve this look I have quite a long to do list ahead of me.  First and foremost to lacquer the walls and paint the ceiling.  Once that is done I will tackle the remainder of the items on the list.  

Lacquer walls

Paint ceiling

Wallpaper bookcases

New couch in amazing green velvet

Add a second set of chairs ... a pair of Hers chairs

Lacquer console table for behind sofa

Skirted small console for door area

Panels for bay window

Window treatment for door to deck

Round coffee table 

Area rug (relocate this blue one)

Art for mantle

Lamps x 4, maybe 6

Pillows for the sofa and side chairs

Style bookcases

Style room

Yowza ... that is quite the list I have made for myself.  My heart is pounding just looking at all I need to complete in six weeks.  

I am joined by an incredible group of designers this round ... I am pinching myself that I am part of this amazing line up.  Make sure you follow along with their journey, that is by far my favorite part. Each week it is like Christmas watching each room transform. 

Claire Brody | The Curated House | Design Manifest | Driven by Decor | Honey We’re Home | Hunted Interior | The Makerista Making it Lovely | My Sweet Savannah | Pencil and Paper Co.|The Pink Clutch | Savvy Home | Simplified Bee | Sketch 42 | Jill Sorensen|| Orlando Soria | Thou Swell | The Vault Files | Waiting on Martha | The Zhush | Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH 

You can also follow along with our journey on Instagram using the hashtag #oneroomchallenge. And, make sure you are following House Beautiful magazine on Instagram and Pinterest.  They will be showcasing bits and pieces along the way along with live pinning!  This will be an incredible round, and I will be sharing tons of sneaks and pictures during the weeks as the room comes together.  The good, the bad and, yes, the ugly.  Yep, it will all be there for you to see.  This girl room is getting a massive makeover.  Think major plastic surgery with a whole new wardrobe.

Gotta go, major work to complete! See you next week!  

My New Favorite Drink

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My favorite drink of the moment, ok, for a while, is a Greyhound.  I love every single thing about grapefruit juice and a yummy cocktail made with grapefruit juice is right up my alley.  A true Greyhound is simply vodka and grapefruit juice ... but I have been mixing it up and adding St. Germain which truly takes it to the next level. Add sliced lime and you have an incredible cocktail.

Beauty Favorites

About four months ago I looked at myself in the mirror one day while driving in the car and realized my face just didn't look the way I wanted it to look.  With a busy schedule, four kids and honestly, age, I wasn't the girl with the glowing fabulous skin I was hoping to have.  It was time to check my drawers and cabinets and do some serious thinking about my beauty routine.  

Spring Break with Huff Harrington

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It is finally that time for our family.  Spring break officially starts today at 4:50 pm today when the last child arrives home from school.  I can not tell you how excited I am to have nine solid days together as a family.  There is nothing that fills my heart more than quality time with my loves.

Earlier this week I popped into Huff Harrington to snag some fun items for myself to enjoy over the week. We are headed to the lake and I couldn't be more excited for shorts, tunics and big totes filled with water, snacks and a camera to catch all of our memories!

I was immediately in love with many of their items, as I knew I would be.  I have been hunting a good bag to use at the lake and the pool.  Imagine my delight when I spotted the fabulous Collins Tote above from Mar Y Sol.  It was exactly what I was looking for with added pom poms!  It comes in a variety of colors but the turquoise stripe was the perfect bag for me.  I am having a major stripe moment, finding myself drawn to tons of striped items.

I even found a perfect little pink clutch for evenings out.  You know I never met a pink clutch I didn't love!  Isn't it darling?  I packed it for our scheduled date night.

I also fell madly in love with this tunic, and grabbed a new Swell bottle.  I find it so much easier to drink water if it is cold and these Swell bottles keep my water cold for 24 hours.  It keeps me from stopping for Starbucks. This candle makes you think you are at the beach, which in my world is the most perfect candle made.  And these towels were just being put out when I arrived and they are ah-mazing!!  Something I can wear as a scarf to the pool and as a towel home.  Umm, #yesplease!!  Oh, and I did grab a new pair of pajamas.  How darling are these??

Pajamas || Tote || Water Bottle || Book || Bracelet || Clutch

All my goodies are packed up and ready to head out.  As you can see my finds fit perfectly into my go to items making them part of my Spring Break must haves.  I can not wait to load up the cars and take off for Nashville.  Mama is in serious need of some lake time with her beloveds. 

Huff Harrington has generously offered to giveaway this darling Mar Y Sol bag to one of my readers. The pink is absolutely darling and perfect for the spring and summer months.  It is just begging to be treated to many days at the pool and beach and of course, shopping trips galore!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!  I can't wait to see this bag being used by one of you darling lovies!!

  

The shop is absolutely darling, with so many amazing gifts!  The art is amazing and gorgeously styled among their selection of furniture and accessories.  Their exquisite selection of  books makes an instant coffee table collection possible.  Their table table top section is to die for with the most incredible plates and napkins of every color.  I almost snagged up the necklace above, falling in love at first glance.  I am not exactly sure why I left it behind to tell you the absolute truth.  Check out Huff Harrington online and in person ... you will love them as much as I do.   And make sure you tell Ann and Meg I sent you!  

Happy Friday!!