A Little Southern Sass

My Mom Room

2012-04-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

I am absolutely in love with designing homes. I remember being fourteen years old and drawing a blueprint of our new family home so I could layout where everything would or could go. Maybe I am a compulsive organizer and nester? :)

Even funnier is that I married a man who loves homes as much as I do. We constantly are adding to and changing a design for our "dream home."

One room that I like to constantly think about is my "Mom Room." Growing up, it was always strange to me that my Dad had an office to bay bills, store paperwork but Mom didn't really have a place to store all her wrapping paper, presents for friends or holidays that she'd collect throughout the year, craft stuff, etc. In essence, it's a little like Santa's workshop, only JUST FOR THE MOM.

Here are some ideas that I think about for my one day Mom Room:

I don't really do many crafts but I would still like to borrow several features from this room:

Chairs

2012-03-20T17:48:00.000-05:00

In searching for some outdoor dining chairs to go with the outdoor dining table we are building for our new patio, I have realized how much I absolutely love these antique looking folding chairs. They are so French and just plain lovely don't you think?

Where can you get these delicious chairs? Does anyone know? Do they even have a special name? I'm looking :)

SXSW Style

2012-03-16T15:45:00.002-05:00

Well, it's SXSW in Austin this week or what I like to call "invasion of the hipsters." I have never felt less out of touch or daring in my fashion choices as each year when this week rolls around and I'm confronted by all the fashion-forward folks of NYC, LA, etc. I have been scouring Pinterest lately for some fun Spring and Summer looks on Life's a Journal and came across a few looks that are SXSW perfect:

Though you probably won't see me trying to pull these off, I appreciate those that are bold enough to try. For me, I stepped out with two bold purchases from JCrew:

I'll be strutting these pretty purple pants to dinner tonight in fact. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

So Cool

2012-03-15T16:07:00.000-05:00

How cool is this? I would kill for this to go on top of a stack of books on a credenza or up on a book shelf:

Have a great day!!

Bench Tutorial

2012-03-14T13:01:00.001-05:00

My Mom shared this tutorial with me and I found it incredibly helpful and detailed. If you are looking to transform a coffee table into a stunning, fabric covered bench, take a look:

For more details, Click HERE to see the entire process. Thanks Sabby in Suburbia!!

Trend: Navy Blue

2012-03-02T10:50:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, I had a stack of magazines that were waiting for me to flip through. I could not believe how much navy I saw as I turned the pages. Take a look at some of the beautiful blues I found in Elle Magazine and Traditional Home:

Isn't it just lovely!?!?! I am absolutely in love with this color and can't wait to incorporate it more into my home!

Million Miles an Hour

2012-03-01T22:56:00.003-06:00

I have been so incredibly busy these last few weeks that my poor blog has suffered quite a bit. BUT, I have been working on a really good cause! Take a look at this video to see how I have been spending my time:

Be sure and visit bobikesbama.com to learn more and to donate! Thanks for the support!!

Credenza of the Week: Perfect Lines

2012-02-28T15:02:00.000-06:00

This photo has the perfect mix of straight lines (top of table, lamp shades, the box pleat stool skirt underneath the table) and also organic lines (the sconces, the lines in the painting and the beautiful orchid vase). It feels very comfortable and homey but is also so beautiful. I love it!

Credenza of the Week

2012-02-16T14:13:00.000-06:00

I found this little piece on Apartment Therapy and fell in love.

Credenza of the Week

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

Credenza of the Week: Sweet and Subtle

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a more subtle take on my favorite colors mixed together.

Here is a taste that's a little brighter still bold and beautiful:

Credenza of the Week: PINK

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-06:00

Talk about sass!

Bookshelves

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

I have been seeing a million beautiful pictures of bookshelves everywhere I look with bold and beautiful ideas. Here are some of my favorites:

However, I had to laugh when I stumbled across one picture from this blog, Bookshelf Porn. Though the name is a little shocking, it's true. If you are a die hard reader, decorator or color fiend, you are going to love this site. Enjoy!

Perfect Paint, Rugs and Oh So Many Fireplaces

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

In their latest issue, Traditional Home did a beautiful spread on a gorgeous Utah home. Though I would never want to live in Utah, I really enjoy the paint colors that were selected, the rugs used throughout the downstairs of the home, and the architectural flow of the house.

Though the colors in this family room are very strong, warm colors, they do not look out of place against the cool light greenish-blue:

I absolutely love this more formal Living Room. I love how open it is with entrances on either side of the fire place and I love that through the fireplace, you can see into the Dining Room.

Having a fireplace in the formal Living room is just beautiful!

Just off the kitchen is the family room which is painted "Bryce Canyon," a warm coral color by Benjamin Moore. Also, the trail of beautiful antique rugs tie all the rooms together no matter the paint color used.

My favorite part of the Family Room may be the lovely window seat. I always wanted a window seat! Perfect for reading!

I also love the Master Sitting Room, which also has a lovely fireplace:

Well done. I'd move right on it! At the least, I'm taking notes for my own home. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Pillow Palooza

2012-01-19T14:10:00.000-06:00

It's about that time. Time to start accessorizing. I'm still on a spending halt after the holidays so it might not be until March until I actually get a chance to buy, but that doesn't mean that a girl can't make her list.

Besides a rug for the Living Room, I really want a few throw pillows for the Living room sofa. Bargain prices is the key here!

Here is a look at the room thus far:

Here is my naked couch that needs some love:

And here are a few ideas I have for some fun pillows:

Etsy

Ballard Design

Hable Construction

Fabricadabra

Luxury Monograms

Now wouldn't this be MUCH better?

Have a wonderful week!!

Wedding Wednesday: Lovely Lighing

2012-01-18T10:59:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I posted pictures of brides in front of beautiful windows. Well, take a look at this entire series of one brides getting ready in front of a large window:

Isn't the lighting just stunning? I LOVE black and white photos!! These just make me want to put on my dress and spin around the room for a while. So lovely!!

Credenza of the Week

2012-01-17T14:58:00.000-06:00

This may be one of my favorite credenzas I have seen yet. First of all, it's mirrored which I love. But I am also geeking out over these beautiful lucite lamps and the beautiful urns and greenery displayed on the bottom shelf. The symmetry of the accessories is lovely and the femininity of the entire look is just right. Gorgeous!

Chandelier for Every Room: Dining Rooms

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, here goes. More lovely chandeliers in a place they are traditionally known to be...the Dining Room:

Don't you want to have a fabulous dinner party now?
It makes me yearn for a new fixture for our dining room! More on that sometime soon...Have a great day!

Makeup Must Haves

2012-01-13T08:35:00.000-06:00

Here are a few things that I cannot live without when it comes to my morning routine:

The Best Eye MakeUp Remover (available at CVS):

Bobbi Brown MakeUp Brush Cleaner

It's a 10 (available at grocery stores) is absolutely necessary for styling your hair. It detangles, de-frizzes and shines.

Baby Lips Moisturizer (so fun and so many great colors!) available at drugstores or Target:

Cute hair ties (way better than a rubber band around your wrist) available at PerriBerri, Blue Elephant and Pure Barre here in Austin or online at Emi Jay.

Do you have any favorites that you just could not live without? Let me know :) I'm always looking to update my makeup bag. Enjoy the week!

Artist Spotlight: Wolfe Birds

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Ask anyone from Mississippi and they will be able to tell you about Wolfe birds. In fact, most girls probably have one in their home on a bookshelf or perched on a little side table.

I have a little collection of my own as does my Mom. But, we were so excited this Christmas when my aunt gifted the two of us and my little sister with these beautiful paintings of the Wolfe Birds by...

Aren't they lovely?

Wedding Wednesday: Brooch Bouquets

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Remember a few months ago when I posted the picture of Miranda Lambert's bouquet? Well, she was onto something. Since then, I have seen all sorts of brooch bouquets popping up in weddings.

Green Wedding Shoes posted some beautiful pics on her site and Fantasy Floral has an entire image gallery devoted to her beautiful creations. What a special and creative way to individualize your special day!!

What are your thoughts? Do you like this new trend?

Credenza of the Week: Patriotic Colors

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-06:00

I love the symmetry of this design but also think the color pairing is extremely interesting. Though I don't love mixing a bold red with a softer blue, I appreciate that they tied both those colors together with a subtle piping on the chairs.

More than that, I am really impressed by the chair design. I love the bones of these chairs and though I wouldn't necessarily like them that color in my home, I do love their overall shape. Very cool! Very bold!

Little Happies

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-06:00

My Mom, always the epitome of Southern manners, reminds me often to keep a small stash of "little happies" as she calls them for hostess gifts or small presents. Here are a few inexpensive gifts I like that would be great to keep on hand:

Layla dishtowels in fun colors

Soaps from Safron Trading Company (some for only $3 each!)

I also love these monogramed goodies from La Plates.

Do you have any little hostess happies that you love to give? If so, please share. I always need great ideas!!

Trend Alert: Mustaches

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Perhaps it was Movember or perhaps they are just that cool, but mustaches are popping up everywhere (including in my very own home!). Here are some unlikely places where hunky mustaches are making their debut:

Pacifiers sold on Etsy

Socks (which my Mom gave my husband for Christmas) from fredflare.com

Rings from Etsy

Necklaces from Supermarket & Dannijo

Pillows from Selfridges & Co and Urban Outfitters

Coffee Mugs from Etsy and Glasses from Urban Outfitters

Wallpaper from Flavor Paper

Get with a get and get some mustache paraphernalia! Happy Friday!! :{)

Calpe, Spain

2012-01-04T17:39:00.002-06:00

Back in December, I spent a week in Calpe, Spain for work. Calpe looks like it would be an incredible party spot in the summer since it's perfectly situated on the beautiful Mediterranean; however, in December it was a complete ghost town. My coworker described it perfectly, "it feels like Galveston after a hurricane." Litterally. No people. No open restaurants. No shops. Deserted.

One day however, we were able to break away from the conference room to go hiking with some of our team members and sponsors. In Calpe just along the coast, there is a giant hill that juts out into the water and overlooks the coast, beach and their big boardwalk.

On our hike up this point, it started to rain. While huffing it up the hill, we turned around to see this beautiful rainbow arching over the entire city and the water. It was incredible. Here is a picture of me at the top of the point looking down over Calpe and the rainbow:

As I keep looking back at the pictures from that day, I keep thinking about all the other colorful photos I've seen as of late. Instead of a colorful piece of art, why not blow up and frame a few photos that look something like this:

For more colorful photos, check out my Pinterest board. Have a Happy Thursday!