Favorite Post, Pins and PROJECTS!

July 16, 2016

Hi folks, I’ve got a great round-up of links for you today with a little twist. Instead of sharing some of my favorite pins, this week I decided to share some easy and inspirational diy/craft projects for you to check out. I loved all of these projects so much that they have made it onto my ever-growing craft to-do list. Enjoy these links and most of all enjoy your weekend!

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FAVORITE POSTS

This is how to have fun and give back to others.

This home tour had me swooning…every inch of it.

My girl KariAnne shows you how to create really stunning centerpieces with these 5 unique centerpiece ideas.

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FAVORITE PROJECTS

This DIY Pom Pom Door Hanger is so fun and I can think of a million different ways to use it (ie: gift wrap, wine bottle charm, curtain tie-backs….)

I have a thing for mugs and this Alcohol Ink Project is a fun way to create your own designs.

This DIY Tassel project will make you want to add tassels to all your summer sandals.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I just ordered this Crossbody Clutch and can’t wait to get it. And it’s on sale for $39!

Love these Hexagonal Pillar Candleholders. They are also available in a silver finish.

This Multicolored Striped Knit Bag would make a great weekend bag when out shopping. Don’t miss out on the $5.99 price.

The Chinoiserie Melamine Plates are selling quick so don’t hesitate to snag yours.

Marriage Tips–25 Years in The Making!

July 13, 2016

Today is a really special day in my life because the hubby and I are celebrating a major milestone. It’s our 25th wedding anniversary!

25 years ago I walked down the aisle to my love and best friend and said I do. As I look back on the last 25 years I am grateful that we’ve been blessed with a marriage that has grown in strength and love. Marriage is not always easy but with dedication, respect and love it can be great.

True love blossoms when you care about another person more than you care about yourself.

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Communicating is far more about listening and understanding than it is about talking.

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Always give a hug or kiss before leaving the house. This might seem like a little thing in a marriage but often times it’s the little gestures that can have the biggest impact over time. Even today when my husband leaves for work at 6:15 in the morning, he comes and gives me a kiss on the forehead. I may not always feel the kiss on my forehead but I feel it in my heart.

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Go out of your way to do things that make each other happy.

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Don’t say things you’ll regret! If I had to pick one thing about my marriage that I am most proud of, it would be that in our 25 years of marriage we have never used profanity towards each other, screamed at each other or called each other names. We respect our marriage and each other enough not to use words that are demeaning, disrespectful or belittling.

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Respect each other with both your words and your actions.

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Don’t sweat the small stuff! My parents were married for 27 years before my dad passed away and this is one of the pieces of wisdom she shared with me before I got married.

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Create a clear vision of your shared future together. Sit down, listen to each other and write out how you want your future as a couple to look.

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Don’t go to bed angry!

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Don’t keep score! Trying to make your relationship fifty-fifty proposition will cause a lot of unnecessary tension and you don’t need that. So unless your spouse is a total slacker, recognize that in a happy marriage both partners try to help their mate carry the load.

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Love is as much about saying I love you as it is about showing the other person you love them.

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Never lose the art of dating. Select an activity where the two of you can interact, talk, and just be together enjoying each other’s company.

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To have a really happy marriage, you need to work at it. As the saying goes, the only place you find success before work is in the dictionary.

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Take time to have some fun together every day!

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The best way to strengthen a marriage is to support and assist each other in being the best you can be. A strong marriage is one in which both people understand that the other person needs to have outside interests and activities which help them to feel happy and fulfilled.

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A strong marriage is one where both people understand that it is more important to be happy than it is to be right.

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Never stop growing together. Atrophy is the natural process when you stop working a muscle, just as it is if you stop working on your relationship. Find common goals, dreams and visions to work towards.

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And above all, thank God everyday for your marriage and your mate.

Here’s to another 25 years of love and happiness!

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Coloring Book Pages

July 12, 2016

When it comes to finding unexpected items to wrap gifts with, nothing is off-limits in my book, not even coloring books.

After receiving The Inspired Room Coloring Book a few weeks ago, I knew immediately that I wanted to use some of the images as gift wrap.

via The Inspired Room

The pages I choose had designs which reminded me of beautiful wrapping paper. Here’s one of the pages before I colored it.

When selecting colors for the pages, I decided to use two of my favorite color combos–red & hot pink and royal blue & green. After the pages were colored I used them to wrap small cardboard gift mailers. Gift mailers are a great alternative to a traditional box for wrapping small items.

And because I’m all about the details, I added small grommets to the egde where the paper overlapped. And then I added some cute tassels. Aren’t these tassels the cutest things ever? I followed Amber’s hula tassel tutorial which you can find here.

COLORING BOOK PAGE GIFT WRAP

Hand coloring your gift wrap is definitely more time-consuming than using store bought paper but for special gifts it’s worth the time and effort.

You can pick up your copy of The Inspired Room Coloring Book on Amazon.

p.s. I used these art markers to color my pages.

Design Guide: Color Rules

July 11, 2016

I hope everyone had an ok weekend. I know that with all the turmoil going in these days, it’s hard to find a sense of peace and calm. One way I did that was not watching the news and spending time doing things I enjoy. Sometimes it the simple things in life that can brighten our day. Anyhow, todays post is all about color and decorating, two things that definitely impact your world.

Last week as part of my Design Guide series, I talked about picking the right paint finish. Several of you asked for tips on starting at ground zero and picking the right paint colors for your home. Last year I shared 4 tips to picking paint colors with you and today I’m going a little deeper and talking about Color Rules. I think giving you a better understanding of colors will help you have more confidence in selecting colors for your home.

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♦ Start with a color you love. Are there colors you consistently wear in your wardrobe? Or maybe every time you see emerald green pillows you heart flutters. Take note of what colors you have a positive response to and those that make you feel good. These are the colors (or color families) that you will fee most comfortable with in your décor.

my domaine

♦ Once you hone in on the colors you like, keep in mind the feeling that specific colors will convey. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange have an energizing effect and will feel more vibrant. Blue, green and gray are calming colors and will add provide a soothing feel to the rooms you decorate.

via bhg

via ralph lauren

♦ When it comes to pairing colors use a color wheel to guide you in picking color families that work best together. Colors close together on the color wheel are analogous and will make a room feel calm. Colors that are farther apart are complementary and are more dramatic when paired together.

Here’s an example of an analogous color scheme…

via apartment therapy

And here’s an example of a complementary color scheme…

via Laurel Bern Interiors

♦ In open floor plans where rooms open on to each other and avoid choosing radically different colors and color families or the space will look choppy and disconnected.

source unknown

♦ If you find a color that you love but you feel it is too dark, ask the paint counter to do a 50 percent tint of the color.

♦ One of the best color rules to follow is layer bold colors with mid-tones and neutrals to create balance within the room.

via hgtv–Photo By: Allison Corona Photography, Let It Shine Photography, Doug Petersen Photography

♦ If you love bold colors but don’t want to overwhelm a room by painting all the walls in that colors, pull those colors in through decorative trims on chairs, curtains or pillows. Small doses of vibrant colors can be easier on the eye and you won’t tire of the color as easily.

via Society Social

♦ Always sample the paint colors you are considering and try them on your walls. Look at the color in the morning and at night and put test swatches near your furniture. I just started using these ingenious paint sample boards with clients and boy oh boy are they great way to try colors on the wall without damaging your current wall color.

via Elle Decor

♦ As you consider the color for your walls, make sure to also consider the trim and ceiling color to make sure it all works together. White trim color can reflect or absorb the tones of your wall color and in some cases make it look brighter or duller.

via bhg

Selecting the right colors for your home is just as important as selecting your accessories so spend the time it takes to find the right the colors that brighten your world and your home.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun gift wrap inspiration post using two of my favorite color combinations.

top paint image via bhg

Behind The Blog: Erika Ward Interiors

July 8, 2016

Today I’ve got another edition of my Behind The Blog series. This time around I talking with my friend and fellow-designer, Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors and BluLabelBungalow blog.

I’ve been a big fan of Erika and her design work for years and have been honored to contribute articles to her successful blog, on several occasions.

Erika’s career as a designer started after years of working for a design-build firm and she eventually made the leap and started building her independent design business, Erika Ward Interiors.

In addition to her blossoming design career which includes features in national publications and brand partnerships, Erika is a wife and mother to 5 adorable kids. I’m continually in awe of how she does it all.

I posed few questions to Erika to learn more about her design philosophy, where here inspiration comes from and how she does it all.

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How did you get into the interior design profession and when did you start Erika Ward Interiors?

I began my career as an accountant managing multi-million dollar construction budgets for an internationally known design-build firm. In 2006, while still working in a corporate setting, I bravely started Erika Ward Interiors to satisfy my creative side and brought my business acumen and professionalism to the residential market. After three years of performing this balancing act I decided to fully commit to building Erika Ward Interiors and never looked back.

What do you love most about being an interior designer?

I love the newness of each project and working closely with individuals. Getting to know them and their family intimately helps me feel like we have a more authentic relationship.

We’d love to learn more about your design philosophy so tell us what design elements you think every home needs?

Every home needs a combination of something old and something new otherwise each room feels like a furniture showroom. That’s not exactly the look I want to bring. While I certainly want the room to feel polished, it also has to feel livable and approachable.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in client’s stories (career, travel, family history etc) and how they live in their home. I’m also fascinated with learning about different cultures. It’s important to me that we open our minds and even “try on” a few of their customs. I bring more depth and richness into our own lives.

How would you describe your personal design style?

The foundation of my personal style is very traditional. I love classic silhouettes paired with bright color or pattern on upholstery. Mix this with clean lines and a few organic elements like teak, woven textures, or weathered wood and I’m sold.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

My late grandparents were incredibly business savvy. I admire them both for establishing themselves during a time where it was much more difficult for African-Americans. They always stressed the economic importance of time and money, I’ve written about this on my own blog, and they always encouraged me to work as I’m working for Christ himself and not men.

In addition to Erika Ward Interiors, you also have a popular design blog, BluLabelBungalow. Tell us how you came up with that name and what readers can expect from your blog post.

I came up with the name after purchasing our first house, a Cape Cod style bungalow in 2005. In the beginning I wrote about the intersection of fashion and interior design and was obsessed with Ralph Lauren’s Blue Label collection. I pretty much dropped the e, combined the two words and added bungalow.

The blog has evolved since then to show before and after makeovers from my client projects, trend reports, decorating advice, travel features, and most recently started a series called “Devotions for the Decorator.”

You’re a mom of 5, a wife and a business owner—can you share 3 pieces of advice for other working moms out there?

Yes!!

Create a village of people who love your family and support your journey. We have caregivers who love our children so much which gives my husband and I a piece of mind. We can work without the worry.

Make time for self-care. I’ve recently lost 55lbs in an effort to preserve my health and no longer take it for granted. The physical transformation also came with great, unexpected mental and emotional benefits too. I’m not only healthier but I’m certain it has made me an even better wife and mother.

Pray everyday, several times a day. This helps you stay connected to your purpose, stay grateful, remain humble, and provides you with the strength you need to handle life’s toughest issues.

If you could lunch with any famous woman, who would it be and what burning question would you want to ask them?

I’d love to have lunch with Ivanka Trump. I admire the balance she strikes between career and motherhood as well as her presence as a wife. On a superficial level, she’s always very poised, polished, and modestly dressed.

What 5 thing you can’t you live without?

My faith in Jesus Christ

My husband

My five children

Quiet Time

Travel / Exploration

What’s your favorite way to unwind?

Sitting in a quiet room with a hot cup of something.

I always like to throw a quirky question into the mix so tell us about your favorite things…

Favorite Book: Currently reading (again) the Five Love Languages

Favorite Movie: Steel Magnolias

Favorite Food: Mexican Cuisine

Favorite Store: Amazon Prime

Favorite Color: Blue

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Thank you Erika for sharing a little bit about your life and style with all of us!

View more of Erika’s design work here , follow her blog here and join her on Instagram here.

And join Erika and I at the Atlanta Tastemaker Summit next month for a day of design inspiration and learning.

Easy Summer Dessert: Sweet & Southern Fruit Calzone

July 7, 2016

One of the best things about summer is all the sweet fruit that is in season. I love it all but peaches, nectarines and blackberries are three of my favorite summer fruits.

After signing up for the Blog Life University Conference, I learned about the Sweet & Southern Dessert Recipe Contest sponsored by Dixie Crystals (more details on how you can enter below). I decided to try my hand at creating a unique dessert recipe using my favorite summer fruits and entering it into the contest. Now folks, I don’t cook a lot and definitely don’t bake much so any recipe I created had to be super easy and not require a lot of ingredients.

After some pondering, I decided to go totally southern and combine biscuits and my favorite summer fruits and created a Sweet & Summer Fruit Calzone recipe.

Yum! If I must say so myself, my little dessert recipe turned out great and is a perfect treat during summer.

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Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe

SWEET & SOUTHERN FRUIT CALZONE

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. can of large Pillsbury Grands Flaky Biscuits (I told you this was an easy recipe)

2 Fresh Peaches (anyone else smell their peaches to find the best ones?)

2 Fresh Nectarines (firm but not hard is best)

1 cup fresh blackberries, sliced

1/2 c Dixie Crystals brown sugar

1 egg white

2 to 3 tbsp. of Dixie Crystals granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine peaches, nectarines, blackberries and brown sugar
Using a rolling pin, roll each biscuit to a 6-7 inch circle. Scoop fruit and brown sugar mixture on one side of a flattened biscuit. *cute rolling pin from Anthropologie not required but helpful
Fold each biscuit over and using a fork seal the edges (like the pros do on The Chew)
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place fruit calzones approx. 1/2″ apart
Lightly wisk egg white and coat the top of each calzone
Generously sprinkle on granulated sugar to coat the surface
Bake approx. 20 minutes or until golden brown
Enjoy (alone or with a scoop of your favorite ice cream)!

So do you want to know how you can get in on the contest fun and win a ticket to Blog Life University?

All you have to do is create a unique recipe around this year’s theme of Sweet and Southern Dessert. The only rule is to create a unique recipe that uses at least 1 tablespoon of sugar. Don’t delay because the contest ends at midnight 7/10/16. All winners will be secretly notified by 7/19/16 so don’t wait to get your conference ticket. The official Grand Prize winner will be announced during the Dixie Crystal’s Sweet Spa Reception Friday night. Full contest rules can be found here.

#sweetandsouthern

Inspiration Notebook–July 2016

July 4, 2016

Hello July!

This month my inspiration notebook is all about Love, Life, Happiness and the little things in life…

♥ July Inspiration Notebook ♥

Favorite Posts, Pins and Products of the week.

July 2, 2016

Hooray for long weekends! We’re off visiting family and out to-do list includes lots of R & R, s’mores and maybe even and outdoor movie.

Enjoy your weekend friends and my round-up of favorites from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

Such a cute and clever way to use cutting boards as part of a tablescape.

There are a lot of homes that take my breath away but this one is truly my dream house.

design by Establish Design, photos by Joshua Caldwell

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FAVORITE PINS

I’ve been on the hunt for an easy no-bake summer dessert recipe and this Key Lime Cheesecake is it.

One of the most popular boards on my Pinterest page is dedicated to creative gift wrap ideas. One of my favorite ideas is using vintage jewelry to adorn a gift. So simple, yet so stunning.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Even though I’m way past my teen years, I love shopping Pottery Barn Teen for unique home decor and gift items. I spotted this gorgeous bamboo wall shelf the other day and couldn’t believe the price. This would look amazing hanging in a bathroom.

Have you ever googled ‘cute beach towels’? I did and came up with some really, really cute finds. This personalized greek key design is just one of my faves from Haymarket Designs.