Home Sweet Home Alabama

A New Etsy Love

2014-02-17T12:08:00.000-06:00

Hi, there! My apologies for the absence over this past year. A lot of life has happened- new job, new city, another bar exam, etc. So needless to say, the blog was put on the backburner. I hope to be back more routinely now.

Today, I wanted to share a new paper goods shop I recently discovered on Etsy called Stately Made. This cute little spot is run by my co-worker's dear friend, Jordan Hughes, who also happens to be a Birmingham native. I learned about Jordan on Valentine's Day when my colleague received Jordan's beautiful card in the mail. And of course, her handwritten note on the back was just stunning. She has such talent! Here are a few of her other paper goodies currently up for grabs:

I think the last one is my absolute favorite!! I'm a sucker for anything Southern!

If you are interested in seeing more of Jordan's work, visit her blog and be sure to follow her on Instagram. Jordan also offers custom calligraphy and hand lettering services here!

A Giveaway

2012-11-09T22:20:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Laurel-Dawn of Abode Love, recently started selling her beautiful artwork online here. And my gosh, her pieces are absolutely stunning! In fact, she's currently designing my daughter's room and my fingers are crossed that I'll be able to incorporate something of her's in there! Lucky for me (and you), LD is having a giveaway over at Lindsay's blog, Sadie+Stella. You can win one free print from her shop, or you have the option of getting a $65 credit towards one of her commissioned pieces. This awesome giveaway last's until Monday, November 12th at midnight. Hurry on over to win yourself some lovely eye candy! Good luck!

Thursday Thoughts

2012-05-24T18:41:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is a little delayed. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, here is today's thought...

* Image via Pinterest

Pinterest Party

2012-05-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been seeing the most enchanting tablescapes and get-togethers on Pinterest. Whether a high-noon tea party, small gathering in the garden, or a midsummer night's dream dinner with friends, I'd RSVP to any of them:

Wouldn't you want to attend one of these fabulous fêtes? Or perhaps you'd like to play hostess.
If so, Annemarie's got some great tips for planning your own soiree. Check them out here!

Tuesday Two-Play

2012-05-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

* Image via Pinterest

What's Your Color?

2012-05-21T18:18:00.001-05:00

If you know me at all, you know that I love color. Lots of it! So, when I came across Paper Source's Colorscope Palette, I was immediately enthralled. To form the Colorscope, Paper Source took their rainbow of signature hues and translated them into personality types, the idea being that the color you're most attracted to will match your persona. Before I get to my results though, you should try it out! And don't cheat! Make sure to focus on the colors before reading their descriptions.

Here's a closer view for readability:

Which color(s) stood out to you? Do you think the description matched your personality?

Mine were:

* Images courtesy here & Paper Source via

In the Kitchen with Jacob: S'More, Please!

2012-05-19T16:58:00.000-05:00

Sady here. Jacob is literally in the kitchen now cooking a delicious dinner for us (recipe for which he will post next week.) So, I have decided to share a yummy treat with you guys instead. Neopolitan. Smores. Yep, one's good enough on its own, but the combination of the two is just divine! Here goes...

Ingredients:
- Rose Vanilla Marshmallows (or simply substitute plain pink and white ones from your local grocer)
- Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar from here, but these are great too!
- Graham Crackers, see below

Directions:
Place marshmallow and chocolate square on one graham cracker. Toast them in the oven until golden and gooey. Top with another cracker, and you've got a pink, white, and chocolate extravaganza for your taste buds!

Homemade Graham Crackers Recipe

Of course, store-bought graham crackers taste just as good. This is simply a fancy option : )

* Photos and recipe adapted from Oh Joy!

What's It Gonna "B"?

2012-05-19T00:54:00.000-05:00

Book // Bronzer // Beach Towel // Bag // Bauble

Blazer // Bathing Suit // Ballet Flats // Bowls // Blanket

Thursday Thoughts

2012-05-17T20:02:00.001-05:00

* via rewirethoughts.com

Celebrating CelebraTORI

2012-05-17T19:49:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, Tori Spelling was doing a circuit on major talk shows in promotion of her new book, CelebraTORI. And from what I could see, she had some fantastic ideas. More like an entertaining manual, CelebraTORI features parting planning tips and tricks suitable for a ladies-only get together, a child's birthday bash, or a holiday soiree. And guess what?!? It's all budget-friendly advice! Yep, Tori says you can throw a high-end party with fancy decor at little or no expense by simply utilizing items from your own home and local thrift stores/flea markets. (One man's trash is another man's treasure, right?) Check out these images from Tori's guest appearance on Rachel Ray's show and The Talk:

The cupcake cones are displayed in a wire basket that was flipped upside down. Very inventive!

A DIY drink bar...genious! And notice that nothing matches.

Instead, it's a beautiful assembly of random vessels.

Another DIY bar, but this time it's for the Body and Soul. Tori provides the ingredients for her guests to make their own face masks and body oils while attending her Spa party.

Instead of going through a professional printer or the post office, she saves by making her own invites and hand delivering them to her friends. Shown above are Pampering Party invitations attached to a bar of soap...isn't that neat?

Look at how elegant this is! And, can you believe the flowers are carnations?!? Tori stresses to give them a chance because not only are they pretty, they are also cost-efficient. Note too that she uses random objects, like the suitcase shown above, to vary the height of her tablescapes.

Overall, I'd say Ms. Spelling did a wonderful job! I'll definitely be adding her book to my "Coffee Table Must-Haves" collection! But what do you think? Would you buy it?

Tuesday Two-Play: Behind the Lens Inspired

2012-05-15T19:27:00.000-05:00

People Help The People by Birdy

Young Blood (Cover) by Birdy

Today's music picks- performed by 16 year-old British musician Jasmine van den Bogaerde (Birdy)- were inspired by the captivating work of photographer Tim Irving. Tim is based out of Suffolk, United Kingdom and authors two blogs: StyleMed and The Negative. He also has an Etsy shop featuring the most incredible photographs, which he claims commemorate his childhood*. And I have to say, I completely agree with him on that. His pictures are engaging, and you can definitely see a recurring theme of spring, greenness, juvenescence, and youth. Take a glimpse through Irving's looking-glass to see what I mean...

Tim's talent with a camera really is like a time-travel! If you'd like to view more of his splendid little snapshots, visit here.

* Source

Weekend Notes

2012-05-14T15:07:00.000-05:00

Keeping up with this

Grillin' out with the fam

Obsessing over May's issue

Getting a little cold and wet

But staying warm while watching a beautiful love story with my honey!

* All images via Pinterest

Hey Ma!

2012-05-13T16:58:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you momma's out there. I would especially like to wish Lindsey of Fifi Cheek and Emily of A Well Dressed Home a very merry first Mother's Day! Cherish every moment with your precious infants because I assure you

THIS

...BECOMES THIS

in the blink of an eye! It seriously feels like I was bringing her home from the hospital just yesterday, and now she's almost two and talking!!

Again, I hope all you momma's get the special attention today that you so deserve. Have a wonderful week!

* All images via Pinterest

Designer Crush: Jill Sorenson

2012-05-11T15:15:00.000-05:00

If I could describe the work of Jill Sorenson in only two words, it would be "whimsical chic." She unabashedley saturates a space with brilliant color, texture, and pattern while maintaining an urbane aesthetic. Her home here in the States features a spectrum of hues that I certainly fancy, but for those of you who favor a more monochromatic look, you'd go gaga over her abode in Sweden. For your decor pleasure, here are some lovely images from Jill's portfolio, including pictures of her two homes:

Be sure to visit Jill's design website Marmalade Interiors and her blog Live Like You!

How Do You Fiesta?

2012-05-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

Who needs a piñata when you can have these yummy treats?

Sip on one of these beautiful refreshments while enjoying some homemade guacamole.

Having guests over this Saturday? Send them home with a party favor that's easy to make and sure to impress.

Are you wanting to fiesta, Derby style? Or perhaps its a Mexican soiree at Churchill Downs. Lindsay's got the tips to make your party weekend a success.

Not sure what to cook? Check out Lisa's menu. The choices are endless!

And if you still can't decide what food to serve at your fiesta, perhaps this will help.

* All collage images via Pinterest

Thursday Thoughts

2012-05-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

I often have to remind myself of this. How about you?

* Image via Pinterest

Words for the Design Wise

2012-05-02T01:14:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and happy Wednesday! I hope you are all having a great week so far. If not, no worries. The weekend is drawing near! Speaking of weekend, last Saturday I caught up on some of my blog reading and while doing so, I came upon an interesting post by Sasha of Everything Fabulous. Sasha's blog has so much personality and features a variety of topics, ranging from fashion and beauty to inspiration and green living. It's definitely one of my regular reads. Today, I thought I would share one of her interior design posts inspired by Bettina Prentice's NY apartment. Enjoy!

1. Display objects in odd numbers. Odd numbers always look better in vignettes that are supposed to be casual and look "natural".

2. Hug What You Love! The idea is for your accessories and vignettes to highlight (hug) your statement pieces (that you love). A very simple way to highlight the shape of the frame is by placing shorter items near the bottom of the frame leading up to the taller arrangement which echoes the height of the frame. The accessories are basically just hugging that corner of the frame to give it more ooomph.

3. The Rule of Thirds. You already know that you should use odd numbers, so the rule of thirds shouldn't surprise you! Everything looks better in groups of three!

4. Choose 3 colors and split the number of items with one color having the most items, and the two secondary colors with an equal amount of lesser colors in the scheme.

5. Varying heights is also important. A good idea is to stack items to create height. You can try shaping your vignette in a V, W, or M. This will ensure that you have various levels of interest.

6. Choose objects to support the style and theme of your room. If your room is formal, a symmetrical design works best. If the room is casual, asymmetrical groupings are better.

7. Stick to a theme. Group candles, for example, or family vacation photos. If the vacation photos are from the beach, add a seashell.

8. Vary the textures of objects. Mix hard and shiny accessories with rough and natural. Use weathered wood or iron architectural elements to introduce an unexpected texture. Photo frames, which come in finishes from shiny enamel to beaded, offer an array of texture options.

Hope you find these tips as helpful as I did!

Design tips courtesy of Everything Fabulous Blog; background image via Lonny Dec. 2011

Tuesday Two-Play

2012-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen

Weekend Notes

2012-04-30T02:10:00.000-05:00

A little bit of blog readin'.

Lots of playtime with this cutie!

Enjoyin' this and that.

Discovering a new Instagram genious!

And finally catching some ZZZ's.

Images via Caitlin Wilson, Mimi + Meg, and Pinterest

R + R

2012-04-25T01:55:00.001-05:00

Excuse me while I do a little bit of this...

I am in desperate need of some rest and relaxation!

* All images via Pinterest

Idea Board Challenge

2012-04-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

A while ago, I was asked to create a bedroom idea board for a 20-something young lady. Sounded easy enough, but there was a challenge: she had a cobalt blue tile floor! Given that the flooring was not something you would easily overlook, I chose a wall color on the same side of the color wheel as blue so that the floors would appear more intentional. I also employed lots of black and gold to complement the cobalt and give the room a touch of glam. However, I wanted the bed to still be dreamy and feminine, so I found a wonderfully ornate headboard with a pastel pink floral fabric to pair with crisp white bedding. Here is the final look:

The Paule Marrot fabric on the headboard (shown below) has been discontinued unfortunately, so I am in the process of picking another textile that will work just as perfectly.

via

DIY Celebration Drink Stirs

2012-04-19T17:34:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the highly anticipated release of Domino Quick Fixes, I thought we could have a little party with these:

Instructions:

Cut pieces of coordinating paper of varying widths into thin strips.
Wrap each strip around a pencil to make them curl.
Grab a handful of kitchen skewers and glue the curly Qs to the ends, one at a time.
Enjoy!

* Instructions and photography via

Just A Reminder

2012-04-19T00:07:00.000-05:00

If you're not already, follow me on Pinterest.

AND

Don't forget to purchase one of these.

via

Jungle Fever

2012-04-17T21:29:00.001-05:00

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Behind the Lens: Kathy Fornal

2012-04-16T15:46:00.002-05:00

Having visited and photographed France myself, I can confidently say that Kathy Fornal has a knack for capturing all things beautiful. Her Etsy shop is like heaven on earth, featuring ethereal moments in Paris and other travel destinations. One look through the lens of her camera, and you will be daydreaming!

Don't you feel like you are in a fairy tale? I certainly do! And, I think her photographs would work perfectly in a space like this:

Or this...

And these...

Visit Kathy's Etsy shop for more of her dreamy little world on film!

* interior images via Travel for Design, Last London Lady, The Lennoxx, and Fete