Loving This Week

Is it just me or are you happy this week is almost over? I'm still digging out of the hole our powerless weekend left me in, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that's a good thing. Plus, I had a very happy HomeGoods moment on Wednesday - so there's that. Here's what else I'm loving this week...

1. The sun, as displayed by our disco ball, early Wednesday morning! It's been awhile and we definitely missed it.

2. It's that time of year again - time for another installment of One Room Challenge - meet the challengers here.

3. What does your favorite flower say about you - find out here.

4. Have you seen The Intern yet? It's high on my list for a lot of reasons, one of which are the famous interiors curated by Nancy Meyers. Read her interview on her newest movie here. 

5. Simple steps to bring Fall home.

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

It's the end of another week and I foresee a whole lotta nothin' happening this weekend. Not that I'm complaining because to me it sounds perfect. 

This weekend, enjoy a little round up of What I'm Loving This Week.

1. Remember this project - it's coming along.

2. Did you see this post about contentment - it definitely makes you think!

3. For any one that says they don't have time to update their home, this article is for you.

4. If you've ever wondered what life after a very successful blog is like, here is one blog-famous couple's update.

5. For the DIY inclined. 

Have a great weekend.

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

After 3 and a half weeks traveling the midwest, our transition back to reality was a little less than seamless. I spent a lot of hours this week day dreaming I was back here, enjoying lake life. 

Here are a couple of other things I spent some time checking out this week...

1. A great resource for affordable wallpaper options over at 320 Sycamore.

2. Beautiful pictures of the sweetest little cottage over on The Lettered Cottage.

3. Another great round up of high end and budget friendly flush mount lights over at Cottage and Vine.

4. I've been known to debate a design decision within my own home for months, which seems silly after viewing this fearless home tour.

5. How many of these things are you guilty of, because I have quite a few….time to make some changes.

Have a great weekend!

until next time, 

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Lovin This Week

This week's lovin' update comes with a shocking revelation - it's MID JULY! Can you even believe it? Summer is half over. The girls and I are gearing up for another epic tour of the MidWest to see family and leave this crazy heat behind, but in the meantime we're making sure to enjoy each Charlotte day to the fullest. 

1. Still being relatively new to Charlotte, we have lots to discover - like the family friendly beer garden at OMB. If you've never been, definitely check it out.

2. An amazingly all inclusive round up of wallpaper from Emily Henderson. So many sources and beautiful designs - if you're in the market you need this resource. 

Emily A Clark

3. So inspired by this back hallway by Emily A. Clark I completely revamped a client presentation to include a fun and eye catching red light.

4. It's the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - shop now for amazing deals - don't miss out!

Have a great weekend, see you on Monday with a long overdue reveal of my home office. 

until next time, 

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Loving This week

It's been hard to get back in the swing of things this week - a struggle I seem to have every short holiday week - but we've got a jam-packed weekend coming our way so that certainly helps with the motivation factor. In the meantime, here's what I'm loving this week...

1. While my parents were here over the weekend they helped spruce up the garden near our side door - a couple transplants, relocated pots and a beautiful new topiary are making this area lovely and welcoming. 

2. I'm loving this oversized, outdoor, DIY Jenga tutorial. Only wish I had a bit more time to put it together before our weekend festivities. 

3. Speaking of outdoor festivities, how cute would this be for your next BBQ?

4. Loads of good recipes in the new BHG issue, we'll be starting with this cocktail Friday night.

5. So much garden inspiration here it's almost overwhelming.

Happy weekend!

until next time,

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Loving This Week

Week 1 of May; Is it just me or did this week fly by? Here's a snippet of what we're loving this week.

1. It's peony season. No one can hate that.

2. My sister-in-law introduced me to this site and now I'm addicted. Impatiently awaiting my first delivery any day now. 

3. One Room Challenge has just wrapped up another amazing series. So many unbelievable 6 week transformations. They are all seriously impressive, but this one might be my favorite - even though it is quite possibly the furthest removed from my own personal style.

4. I'm so happy that so many of you are taking advantage of our May promotion. 

5. Can your home really increase your happiness?

6. Do you love Reese Witherspoon as much as I do? Check out her new site.

Happy weekend!
until next time, 

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Loving This Week

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Is there anything worse than the re-entry into life post holiday? Ok, probably a lot of things. But, it definitely ranks up there. And a week of solid rain didn't make it any easier. Bring on the weekend and the sun. STAT. 

The only way to power through this week was to focus on the little things ... 

1.  A mini tour of the garden, between rain storms, to see all the new buds and growth while we were away. The azaleas, that we worried didn't make it through the winter, in full bloom helped a little, too.

100 Days of Real Food

2. Getting sucked into a great website. I've become obsessed with 100daysofrealfood.com , their story and everything in between. Combating the amount of processed foods, especially sugars, in our family's diet is an ongoing struggle. I'm so happy to have found this resource and that my kids are loving the homemade granola (no more sugary cereals) and homemade larabars (snack time and dessert favorite).

3. Receiving play-by-play updates of a client's home, mid paint makeover, and the accompanying googly eyes (aka they love it!). Plus a successful day at the antique mall resulting in two great finds/key pieces for another client's great room. 

4. Getting completely sucked into a totally unnecessary project, like a mother's day wish list from one of my new favorite sites…

Terrain - a branch off the Anthropolgie tree, with absolutely beautiful outdoor and kitchen items. The list is massive, embarrassingly big. 

If you're lucky enough to live near one of their two locations, I am jealous, if not, check out this blog post from Shannon of Burlap and Lace to see what it's all about.

5. And when all else fails, day dreaming about fun times can get me through any rut.

See you on the flip side (of the weekend). 

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

Crazy busy, no school and lots of illness. That's about what sums up the last couple of weeks around here. Here's a little peak at what I'm loving lately. 

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the juxtaposition of seasons. The stores are shouting Spring with tulips popping up everywhere.

Meanwhile it looks like this outside (or way worse in other areas).

Ah, Spring. Where are you? Time to catch up with the retailers :)

This sweet install for a clients' guest room and kind words from another happy client...

"Your service was wonderful! You were professional, courteous, and very quick to respond. I was very pleased with the service." e-client, Gastonia

source

And finally, I can't seem to get away from images of pet showers in mud rooms as of late. They are showing up everywhere. And I have to say, I love it. Genius idea. Back in the day when we had a dog, bathing her was the absolute worst. She hated it and so did we - but even worse, cleaning the bathroom and tub post dog bath. Yuk. Love the hand held shower in the mud room. Officially putting this on my wish list for future puppy maintenance.

Have a great weekend!

until next time,

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Loving This Week

It's time for another random edition of what I'm Loving This Week, where I compile a list of all things inspirational, recently purchased/read or just something I am loving at the moment and share with you. So here goes...

Women's Saltwater Duck Boots

These too-cute-for-words Sperry Topsider duck boots. I recently picked up a pair of the brown boots for my trip to Chicago last weekend and boy am I glad I did! Can you say blizzard?

Skinnytaste

A friend told me about this cookbook while another gave it to me for Christmas - it is GOOD, you guys! Really good. I've already made a handful of recipes and heard raving reviews of several others. You will not be disappointed. 

Elements of Style

Speaking of books,  I was also gifted this book for Christmas and it is excellent. I'm about half way through at this point, but only due to lack of time to dedicate, because this is a good read. Cover to cover. Honest, funny, beautiful and informative.

Hi Sugarplum!

I've featured Hi Sugarplum! here before, but that's not going to stop me from sharing this peak at her new house and current renovation. Some things just deserve a double share - I mean, look at that tile. Can you even? Check her blog for sources, you will simply never believe it.

Last, but certainly not least, I have become obsessed with this site. The deals are outrageously good. I recently purchased a down, mid length coat that packs into a small bag (great for travel) for less than $80. Deal!

Ok, that's it. Like I said, it's a random collection this week - but it pretty much sums up what I've been up to as of late. Have a great weekend! 

until next time,

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Loving This Week: Christmas Edition

The countdown is officially on - less than two weeks until the big day! Naturally, this week's "Loving" series is going to be chalk full of Christmas related items…so here goes:

Burlap and Lace

1. Did you see this DIY from Burlap and Lace blog? Gold dipped ornaments string lights. So cute! Some people are just so crafty. Meanwhile, I put an ornament and some faux snow into a dead terrarium (spoiler alert!) and I think I'm good.

2. This post from The Inspired Room blog, reminding us that Christmas is about memory making, not overdoing and stressing. Something I have to keep reminding myself of every time I look at my unfinished decorating and unwrapped presents and unmade cookies and cakes…you get the idea. 

3. These two. 

Last week we went to the mountains to cut down our own tree. One member of our group was really into it and the other was really into working on her model pose. Can you guess which one was which? Ah, making memories...

4. Speaking of memories, we started a new tradition a couple of years back where we make a big to-do of decorating our Christmas tree as a family. It usually involves a fire in the fireplace, carols playing in the background, snacks and family decorating, followed by dinner and a Christmas movie. This year, I'm making the Sunday Sauce from Southern Living. I'll be sure to let you know how it is. Looks amazing!

The Hunted Interior

5. So many cute ideas in this one post from the Hunted Interior blog. Where to even start: the wreath chandelier, the printed menus with sparkly earring attached, the fun winter inspired pillows. Love this little nook, even more each time she makes it over. 

Have a great weekend!

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

It feels like forever since I've written one of my "Loving this Week" posts, which seems odd because there is just so much good stuff circling the blogosphere lately. So, here are a couple that stopped me in my tracks.

Charming in Charlotte

1. The One Room Challenge never disappoints, and this round is no exception (check them all out here), but I especially love this moody powder room transformation with removable wallpaper courtesy of Charming in Charlotte.  

2. Time to start prepping for Thanksgiving - need ideas for your tablescape? Shannon from Burlap and Lace blog did a great job highlighting some favorites. Check them out here.

Eating Well

3. Speaking of Thanksgiving, give yourself a break and plan to make one of these healthy and make-ahead sides from Eating Well Magazine. Check them out here. I'm loving the sound of the roasted pear - butternut squash soup with stilton. Might have to try that one in advance!

Nine&Sixteen

4. Did you see Nine&Sixteen's spread in MidWestern Living? Beautiful. And she's from my home town, which helps a little with the nostalgia factor :) Check it out here.

5. And last, but certainly not least, have you seen the new dinnerware line by Bunny Williams at Ballard Designs? So fun and versatile. I especially love the green trellis dinner plates and the blue and white campbell house bowls. Not to mention some of the serveware and well, basically, everything. 

 My mom and I were putting together a little display in the dining room, which I'll share later, while she was here and it got me to thinking about adding to our collection. It is the season of giving…almost.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Stay warm in this polar vortex.

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

It's been awhile since I've shared an edition of "Loving This Week", but with school back in session for our big girl and our little lady getting ready to start pre-school, it's time for me to get back to the business of blogging.

That's right, school is back in session and now I have a couple more quiet hours in the day (TGI nap time!), so I am finally able to tackle some of those much overdue updates on the pages of Designing Domesticity.

1. Check out the changes under About, Our Home, Projects and Food.

Yes, I have been a busy, busy bee in the 4 days since school started. 

More free time means more home projects (music to John's ears, right, honey?) coming my your way. Because as you know, everything I do, I do it for you. Cue Bryan Adams. Those of you that know me personally are probably laughing because you think I might actually like that song. Yes, I do have the worst taste in music. But, I digress, back to those home projects like our little lady's room update and the girl's shared bathroom update and maybe even some small updates to the powder room. Maybe, just maybe.

2. Speaking of updates, did you see this post from Holly Mathis Interiors? The one where she shares her quick bathroom fixes. Love that vintage nude sketch.

3. Or how about Kris' post from Driven by Decor? The one where she shares a fabulous new online lighting source. So many amazing options - I've got lighting on the brain- like all the time - so many of our lights need replacing. Broken record…

4. And finally, is it just me or does it seem like every blogger has a book coming out these days? All very well deserved, of course, these are among the best of the best. Fortunately for us, Andrea from the Cottage Market kindly gathered 9 of the best books that should be gracing our bookshelves right now. Check it out.

Have a great, looooong holiday weekend everyone!

until next time,

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Lovin This Week

Happy Friday -- It's time for another round up of what I'm loving this week. 

Besides the progress on our new deck, I have a couple other little bits and pieces to share with you.

Dear Lillie Blog

Like this complete home tour from Dear Lillie. They moved into their new-to-them home a little over a year ago, and have been tirelessly revamping it. The results are truly amazing. 

Next week marks the one year anniversary of our move to Charlotte, fortunately we have until September before we reach the one year move in date on our house. Still have a long way to go!

Awhile ago, I mentioned on my Facebook page that TJ Maxx now offers online shopping capabilities, but I never actually shopped with them online. This week, I was searching for a certain tennis top I had seen in the store and decided to look online. Voila - two minutes later I found what I was looking for online, then decided to look around a little to see what else was on offer. I mean, I was already on their site and had some time to kill….
That's when I discovered their home department under the clearance tab. The selection isn't huge, but it does seem to be changing pretty frequently. Definitely worth the look, even though I came away empty handed this time.
Didn't know it was there, now I do, and you do, too! 
You're welcome.  

The Hunted Interior

The Hunter Interior recently showed her kitchen corner makeover where she combined traditional patterns and fabrics with more modern items to create a really great look. I love the whole area, but was particularly inspired by her wallpaper framed panels. Definitely got my wheels spinning! 

I hope you enjoyed this little round up of what I'm loving this week. Have a great weekend!

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

We've got big news this week...

Our back porch makeover project has officially kicked off! We made some progress, changed the direction a little, hit a bit of a roadblock, but now things are back on track.  Can't wait to share all the details with you soon. 

As a new to the South girl, I am already struggling with casual and comfortable hot weather, everyday clothes. It's only June here and it's already warmer than the one truly hot month in Chicago!

Lately, I've loved checking out Hi Sugarplum! for loads of style tips. She definitely has me thinking outside of the box when it comes to color combinations.

Ever since we added the chicken wire fence to our kitchen garden, we've seen just the tiniest bit of growth out of the garden. I think it's safe to say we should have concentrated more on our soil content before planting…you live and learn. But, in the meantime, we have been enjoying a tiny crop of late season lettuce. Beyond your typical salad, we've been enjoying fresh kale in our morning smoothies and fresh arugula in our pasta. Loving this recipe with the addition of cherry tomatoes and wilted arugula.

If you're local and love a good vintage/antique mall, a fellow blogger just opened a booth at Catawaba Antique Mall - Emily A Clark has impeccable style and her booth certainly shows it. I, personally, can not wait to check it out!

This is how we spent the majority of our week - 2 doctor visits in 3 days: pink eye, strep throat and ear infections! Here's to antibiotics and their fast healing powers - we'll be back at the pool before the end of the week.

Hope you had a great week! And big plans for the weekend!

until next time,

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Loving This Week

Wow, I can't believe how many of you are loving our new dining room light as much as we are. I wasn't expecting it to be everyone's taste, so I really appreciate all the positive comments and Insta-likes. 

If you are interested in our vintage brass 8 arm chandelier, check out the craigslist ad here. 

It's been a crazy hot week here, summer seems to have come early to the South. So, I'm happy to have this recipe back in rotation. Last summer, we had quick pickles as a side at least once a week. Fortunately, my #1 picky eater still loves them a whole year later!

Loved this post from Renee at Cottage and Vine. As a new to the South gardener, I am looking for all the advice I can get about growing and planting here. I already added the soil conditioner she recommended to our kitchen garden beds, it's a beautiful finishing touch while enriching the soil at the same time. Win-win! 

Speaking of the garden, did you know you could recycle your wood ashes from your fireplace straight into the garden? I didn't. One of my neighbors mentioned it so I did a little research of my own and ran across this article. Sounded pretty good to me, so I added a thin layer to our garden beds under the soil conditioner. Fingers crossed.

Speaking of enriching soil, happy to say our composter is back up and running here in NC. We have this one and highly recommend it.

My Sweet Savannah

And because I can't just leave off for the weekend without including at least one beautiful image, I wanted to share a kitchen makeover (here) that was completed in a short 6 weeks! As part of the ORC (not familiar with this series? check out the introduction here and all the participants here), she revamped her kitchen including newly painted cabinets, new appliances, countertops and loads of other beauties. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day weekend, y'all!

until next time,

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Loving This Week

Well, now I know how to get you guys to leave comments and send me emails - just ask for your opinion! But, seriously, thanks to everyone who made their voice heard. Sounds like everyone loved the playhouse option, with some tweaks, as much as I do. 

handmade home

Speaking of the backyard, our kitchen garden has been under attack lately from our furry friends, the neighborhood bunnies. Until we figure out our fencing options, I'm trying out this homemade rabbit repellant. So far so good. 

Velvet & Linen

I was so blown away by the recent post from Velvet & Linen of their Spring garden at Patina Farm. You would never know this is a new property with all new gardens as well. Seriously, if you don't already follow them or haven't taken a minute to check out all this eye candy, do yourself a favor and do it now. So much inspiration.

I loved this post from Young House Love all about assessing priorities and what you're ultimately seeking from blogging. It's no secret that I've struggled from time to time over the last almost 4 years (how can it possibly have been that long!?!) with blogging. 

Keeping up with posts, delivering quality, informative and interesting material - it's tough. But, when I step back and think about it, I realized I was really only blogging for myself. 

Who cares if I only post 2-3x a week? There's no rule to say 5-7x a week is the winning formula.

Ultimately, I want to enjoy blogging and continue to see it as a creative outlet, a family timeline and a memory book, not a stressful job. I'm thankful for everything this blog has brought my way and for my readers, but maintaining a healthy balance is super important.

It's good to know I'm not the only one that feels this way. 

land of nod

Continuing with the little lady theme, I recently picked up some inexpensive prints for their rooms. Have you seen the new collection of Oh Joy! For Nod Collection of prints, all priced under $20. They are limited editions, so don't wait. 

Have a great weekend, y'all!

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

It's time for another installment of Loving this Week!

1. If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this image. That's right, our foyer is finally getting papered. 

Bold print = big impact. 

We are loving it and plan to share a partial reveal next week.

2. My in-laws are visiting next week, after a long drive I'm thinking this sounds like a great meal to welcome them. 

hunted interior

3. I've been on the search for lighting throughout the house, when I stumbled upon this post, a DIY "brass" flush-mount fixture for $45. Definitely worth investigating for our family room. 

4. Everyone loves a good tray and this DIY number from Hi Sugarplum should not be missed. I'm all about DIY, but it has to be quick, easy and affordable - fortunately her marble tray hits the mark. 

5. Land of Nod is having another bedding sale and this Bazaar bedding really caught my eye for Eloise's room. We're still months away from making any real changes in her room, but a girl has to do her research, right?

We are expecting a nice weekend here. Hopefully we'll be able to make some good progress on our garden. 

Hope you have a great weekend, too. 

until next time, 

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One of Those Weeks

It's just been one of those weeks. 

Crazy, unpredictable, and brilliant all at the same time. 

It started much like any other but quickly descended into the depths of the stomach flu. If you haven't had it, consider yourself lucky. If you've had it, you know what I mean. 
Puke. And a lot of it.

Fortunately, it was over quickly, but what wasn't over quickly was the snow. What I had chalked up to be another pathetic Southern snow storm, laughed in my face by dumping 6+ inches of snow and ice on this little town. 

No matter how accurate the weather forecast was, there was just no way to prepare for what happened.  3 days off school, un-drivable roads, power outages, the works. 

For us, it was a little taste of Chicago. We made the most of it by sledding, building snowmen, making snow angles, and spending lots of hours in front of the roaring fire. 

On Thursday, we saw a break in the weather, packed our bags and started on an epic road trip to Florida. 12 hours each way. 

Crazy? 

Maybe. 

But, views like this made it all worth it. 

It was hard to turn around and come back North after a short weekend in paradise, but we have a lot to look forward to here. 

Look what finally arrived just before the storm hit. It's been a long time coming but the wallcovering is finally here and I can not wait to see it transform our entry. 

We also took advantage of an online sale during the snow storm and ordered a rug for the den that arrived while we were gone. Receiving the delivery notification while we were away was only slightly torturous, but knowing it was here waiting for us helped ease the driving pain!

Eclectic Patio by Winters Photographers Dave Adams Photography

All those hours in the car left us lots of time to brainstorm on future home projects. Top of discussion: the backyard.

I'm loving this image … it's got me dreaming of things to come.

Especially after discovering our already tattered awning didn't survive the snow storm.

Also on the short list for a makeover is our den mantel. Loved this post, by Edie at Life in Grace, sharing tips on giving your mantel some love. 

Hope you had a great week. 

until next time, 

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Loving This Week

Four day weekend - check. Family in town - check. Platform tennis tournament and urgent care visit after a direct hit to the eye - check. 60 degree day that included a bike ride and an afternoon at the park - check. 

Yup, it's been pretty jam packed around here hence the lack of posts. As always, I'm Mommy first and blogger second. So, while we gear up for another fun filled week (and hey, it's hump day already - can't complain about that. too much.), I thought I'd share some of the happenings around here and what's inspired us lately. 

I tackled a small beautifying project the other day with the help of fabric covered duck tape, check it out here. I didn't even know this product existed until last week and now I am hooked. I want to duct tape everything, but I won't. But I could…

I finally pulled the trigger on the gold polk-a-dot decals I've been coveting. I originally saw them on the Land of Nod website, but ultimately purchased them from Amazon (way cheaper). They are destined for the family room. And we are loving them. More to come…

I've been spending way too much time at Michael's lately. Their coupons are crazy good. In a dangerous sort of way. I've been on the search for artwork for Tessa's big girl room for months now, with no luck or even a light at the end of the tunnel, we are trying our hand at a little DIY canvas art. Wish us luck, I am more than positive we will need it.

With Spring right around the corner (we hope!) I've become obsessed within indoor plants. They are literally cropping up (pun intended) everywhere in our home. 

PS. Gilly got a serious bowl upgrade curtesy of yet another 40% coupon at Michael's. 

Our wheels are also spinning this week, as Eloise is prepping to make the move from nursery to little girl room this year. It's been a constant rotation of crib, air mattress on the floor, crib without one side, crib without two sides, back to the air mattress. 

Fun times.

And finally, this post from the Handmade Home is making the rounds in blogland and I have to say it is inspirational. I'm thinking our classic dollhouse might need a fresh traditional makeover!

Speaking of fresh traditional, Kim over at Savvy Southern Style featured our living room this week on her blog. She has been so supportive of our little slice of blogland and I just can not thank her enough. Great inspiration on her blog, daily. Check it out.

More to come, guys. Thanks for bearing with me. 

until next time, 

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