The Bright Life

The Brightest Wishes to you and yours...

2011-12-30T12:23:00.000-05:00

Here's to 2012.

May it be the best year of your life, thus far...

...see you next year!

xoxo,

Ms. Bright

iObsessed

2011-10-20T09:17:00.000-04:00

Hellooooo there friends! Remember me? Yeah. Shooooweee!!! It's been busy around here lately! Sorry for not making it on to post. And just when I thought I might have a bit o' time to check in with you the other night, my Dearsweet surprised me with a new iPhone. Been wantin' one. Been tryin' to talk myself out of it. Been quietly dyin' inside because Sprint didn't have them...until last week!!! So Ms. Bright got herself one...or rather, Mr. Bright got her one- ain't he sweet? YES!!

So...now I'm feeling like I need to take a day or two off of work to figure the dang thing out! I'm getting it, but it's mind blowing!!!

All of you seasoned iPhone users are either rolling your eyes right now or you yawned twice and made a quick exit! HA! I even had one friend tell me "welcome to civilization". Yes, I realize my Blackberry was a bit "old fashioned"...clicking those keys was sooo reminiscent of a telegraph, I get it!! :)

Now I've been stuck with the {not-so-terrible} challenge of deciding what sort of sweet-A case to get for my precious...

{LOVE all of the options Pretty Smitten offers on etsy}

{Pencil Shavings on etsy}

{Rugby Stripe by Pencil Shavings}

{iKat for my iPhone?!}

{Jonathan, love, your cases are cute as a button}

{Kate's are hard to beat}

{But then again, so are Lilly's!!}

{Marc Jacobs offers somthin' a little sexy and moody}

{These cuties from Oink Studios on etsy are fun, too!}

{This orange lace one caught my eye...reminds me of O'verlays!}

{I think every blogger is familiar with Dani Notes. Super cute and soo many options!}

Stay tuned to see what I picked!!

{hint: if you follow my Tweets, you already know WHERE it's from}

AND......One of my besties is coming in from Louisville for the weekend and we're taking her to Death Valley on Saturday for a full-on Tiger Football extravaganza!

Have a great day and an even better weekend!

xo,

Ms. Bright

Things to think on.

2011-10-09T11:36:00.001-04:00

Have a beautiful Sunday!

xo,

Ms. Bright

I did it again and feeling green

2011-10-07T09:51:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting here at home. Sick. I have a hard time just lying around, but have little energy for much else at the moment. After a few words from a valued opinion, I decided that maybe this look was a bit more "Ms. Bright". I loved the simple navy & apple, but it didn't quite read "ME", know what I mean?

As a designer, my tastes are constantly changing which is fun, but also frustrating...I'm sure some of you have been hit by that bus before. The one that tells you as soon as you finish a space, "WHAM, you really ought to change that up a tad!!"

So, thank you for your kind words and encouragement on the changes you've seen around here! Maybe I'll start switching it up more often...I know y'all were probably bored to death looking at the same thing! That's one of the reasons we all love reading blogs...The Next Best Thing! Have a great weekend, I sure hope mine isn't spent sitting around feeling like a different bus hit me.

{ I'm feeling green today }

So, here are some pretty images that are green "in a good way" for you:

{images via Pinterest}

xo,

{good thing these are just virtual!}

Ms. Bright

Who's that girl...

2011-10-03T08:45:00.001-04:00

...it's Les!

Maybe you clicked over here and were like "what? where am I? what did I click on?"

Nah, you're in the right place...whaddya think about the makeover? It was time for a "refresher", so to speak. I felt the ol' blog's appearance needed to mesh a bit better with it's title. So, I'm still tweaking it a tad, I know the widths are wonky...but I think I like it...how 'bout you?

And if you recognized this post's title...how much do we all love Zooey as The New Girl?! She is darling and endearing and makes me feel more normal each episode.

I also had high hopes for Whitney, based on the promo ads, but 5 minutes into the premier I had to ditch it. A laugh track? Really? I'm sure there's a live studio audience, but that ain't them laughing!! As if that wasn't enough, the "popcorn" jokes were annoying, to say the least. Boo.

We started watching Person of Interest. Love it so far. I mean it's Ben Linus and Jesus playing on the same team! I love when TV isn't condescending and assumes its audience is the same as Jersey Shore. Thank you very much. :)

Any other great new fall shows I should be watching {on my DVR, of course!}???

Happy Monday! Have a decent day!

xo,

Ms. Bright

Custom Postcard Winner and weekend wishes!

2011-09-30T09:20:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to "Anonymous" Kym! The randomly selected {using random.org} winner of the 100 custom postcards from Uprinting.com!

I hope y'all have a weekend full of sunshine!!
Here's a lil' sumpin' to start it off right!! HILARIOUS.

xoxo,

Ms. Bright

The most beautiful things in the world...

2011-09-29T08:49:00.000-04:00

...can all be found on Pinterest.

Like this way cool brass anchor door knocker! How perfect is it on that navy blue door?
Want!

It's no secret that I love Pinterest {over 2500 pins-complete addict here!}, I use it in regular conversations. For example:

Me: I know exactly what I'm going to make tomorrow night for supper club! It's so awesome!!
Hubs: Oh yeah, what?
Me: Something I saw on Pinterest!
Hubs: How do you know it's awesome then?
Me: Because it looks awesome! And because it's on Pinterest! {duh}

Anyway, this is an indulgent post showcasing mostly photos. Because there one's I love, am obsessed with and I believe in spreading the love, so to speak.

Like this beaut of a banquette, large scale Morrocan tile and David Hicks' Pendant.

Dying over the simplicity and cleanlines of this galley kitchen. Charcoal. It's what's cookin'!!

I've never been much of a yellow kinda gal, but I can't stop thinking about this combo of straw and steel blue!

And not just rooms...

A Bloody Bourbon

Sister from Atlantic-Pacific couldn't be anymore stylish!!

craftiness beyond belief!

color combos and outfit inspiration galore!

gorgeous cakes, like this lemon blueberry layer cake!

Genius products and ideas!

SoulMates!

Are you on Pinterest? Let me know!

You can follow my pinning madness here:

brightlifeblog on Pinterest

And don't forget to enter my Postcard Giveaway here!

It ends tonight!!

xo,

Ms. Bright

Custom Postcard Giveaway!

2011-09-26T08:45:00.009-04:00

Want to win a set of free custom postcards to use as your Halloween Party invites, Save the Dates, or Christmas Cards?? Read on!
UPrinting.com has graciously offered to give one lucky reader of The Bright Life just that!!

Postcards are a fun and unique way to send a sweet greeting to friends and family! I love getting REAL mail!! Doesn’t it seem like 80% of what comes in the mailbox are the same old catalogs, bills and junk? It’s always a treat to receive a personalized note from a friend!! It’s great because it gives you the opportunity to easily create custom design and everybody knows online printing is the way to go these days! It’s quick, it’s easy and they have excellent customer service, as well as super quick turnaround!
Maybe you’d use these as wedding Save the Dates! Maybe they’re a birth announcement! How about hosting a holiday party or special dinner? You could promote your business or fundraising event! Whatever you choose, this is an excellent prize!

There are tons of fabulous places online to get inspiration and come up with your very own design!
{images above via uprinting.com, weddingpaperdivas.com and partysecret.com}
What you’d win:
100 Postcards for One (1) Lucky Winner
5" x 7"
14pt Cardstock Gloss
No Folding
Front Only Printing
2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time *Free Shipping
{Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only}

Want ‘em?! Here’s how:
1. Be a follower of The Bright Life and leave a comment below telling me what you’d use these postcards for!
2. Leave another comment telling me the best piece of mail you’ve ever received!
3. Like Uprinting on facebook!
Up to 3 entries per person!

Deadline to enter is Thursday 9/29 at 9pm!!

{This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given!}

Do you know Spartina 449?

2011-09-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

If you don't, you ought to!

www.spartina449.com

They are purveyors are charming handbags, accessory pieces and travel necessities.

Based on Daufuskie Island, SC they're still relatively small, but rapidly growing! I've been a fan for a couple of years when these darling pocketbooks started popping up at one of my favorite shops on St. Simons!

{ In fact, the new "HomeGoods"-esque store the company I work for just opened carries them!!}

I love buying from local/regional companies. I feel like they represent the spirit and culture of the Southeast and I find myself very loyal to many of these brands. Plus, it's a great way to support the local economy!

We're lucky that there's a bunch of great Southern based companies to support!

But since most of y'all want to talk about design and interiors and all that good stuff, I wanted to share with you an article, or rather the pictures from an article... {y'all are mostly here for the pictures, after all, right?!?}

Daufuskie is a tiny island off the South Carolina coast and like many of these sea islands, it's still quite natural and untouched, with a rich history. The company's namesake comes from the native marsh grass that is found along the coast.

The following is Spartina's owners' fabulous island home!

Kay Stanley and Curt Seymour worked with architect Rick Clanton to build a brand spankin' new house that looks as though it's been there a century or more.

{images via Spartina 449}

{above images via Southern Living}

I love just about everything about it! From the haint blue ceilings to the soaring heights in the kitchen, to all of the cozy details. I also love that it's "coastal" and not your standard "beachy".

It looks like a home, not just a house.

What a fabulous job the team did!

Here's the link to the entire article!!

7 Ways to Make a New (Old) House

by the way, Spartina 449 is not in any way paying me for my opinion on their company or products, they've never heard of me and didn't offer Ms. Bright a brand new bag, nor are they sponsors of this blog{I wish!}...although I'd be thrilled to pieces if they did!!!

I enjoy spreading the love, especially when there's a good chance some of you'd enjoy it or appreciate it!

Have a great end to your week and enjoy the weekend!!

GO CATS!!

GO TIGERS!!

xo,

Ms. Bright

Last weekend and The Emmy's what'd you think?

2011-09-19T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hello all! I hope your weekend was long enough, but who am I kidding? They never are.
So, last week I told you about the Indie Craft Parade I was headed to in Greenville. My friend Adair and I met up around noon and spent the entire afternoon and evening downtown. The weather was perfection! If you've never been to Greenville, especially the downtown area, you're missing out. It makes for a great day spent outside. You can shop a dozen or so blocks, find a cozy patio to enjoy a beer on and munch on fantastic eats everywhere! It's a very family friendly environment and is great for people watching. As for the goods...we found 'em that's for sure, but since certain peeps who will be receiving said goods as gifts in upcoming months are readers, I can't divulge too much!!

Thank you for your kinds words and encouragement. I really am grateful for anyone who bothers to read my ramblings and especially appreciate your taking the time to comment. I've told the hubs and mom this and I'm telling you now: blogging and the people I've met through it really has restored my faith in peoples' kindness and goodness. Granted, there are still plenty of jerks out there, but you're good people here!

Did y'all watch the Emmy's? I flipped to them during NFL commercial breaks. Who was best dressed?

Errrbody be dissin' Katie Holmes, but I actually thought her royal blue Calvin Klein was really pretty.

I didn't get Gywnnie's nod to India {bare midriffs never seem appropriate in formal attire} or how Heidi Klum's dress wasn't made fun of more...the top half was lovely, the bottom looked like a seasponge.

. I thought Clare Dane's black/blue sequin deal was very 1996 prom and loved Joel McHale's baby blue tuxedo jacket. He's hilarious and his duds showed a sense of humor without going totally Dumb & Dumber.

Emily Blunt has a hard time not looking amazing, imo.

Also, I love her, but I'd also love for Julie Bowen to eat a cheeseburger, already.

Or maybe two.
And what was up with all the red? It's not exactly my fave color (being a redhead) but I had no idea it was supposed to be such a trend this fall...guess I missed that memo!

Hope your week is wonderful! Also, I'll be hosting another fun giveaway soon! So, be on the lookout for that!

xo,
Ms. Bright

Well Hello there.

2011-09-08T10:22:00.001-04:00

OK, hey there. So I know it's been a couple of weeks since we've talked. I miss y'all! I have a bad habit of once I stop doing something in my routine for a few days, it rolls into a few weeks. Sort of like going to the gym. Is it like this for you? I hope I'm not the only one!
I purposely took a few days off from all things blog to "recharge the ol' batteries" and then accidentally took a few weeks off. But you know, I figure, with all of the amazing blogs out there with crazy cool original content, nobody will miss me...especially when I can barely form complete sentences some days! HA!

And here's the thing, I started this blog as a creative outlet {FOR ME} As a way {FOR ME}to connect with other people that care about the latest gorgeous fabric or that unbelievable wallpaper or that lay awake thinking about chandeliers and lamps and dream of pillows or shoes or jewelry. I'm fortunate to have made bloggy friends and meet some amazing peeps who actually do care about this stuff, but when I'm not really contributing anything worth ready or posting 4 times per week I hate that I feel really guilty. Ick. Who needs that??
So, in an effort to absolutely NOT sound selfish, but instead in an effort to do what's best {FOR ME}and in getting back to what this started as...a place{FOR ME}to talk about the stuff I like, when no one else (IRL) really cares about it or to tell someone, anyone, about something I'm doing or saw or thought of, I am posting today! Posts may be a bit more sparse. Once, maybe twice a week. Maybe more if I can make the time or have something really incredible to share, but no more guilt over not posting!! And no more posting just for the sake of posting. Amen? Alrighty then!! :)

Saturday I'm headed to downtown Greenville with a friend or 2 to take in the Etsy sponsored Indie Craft Parade. It's held indoors at the Huguenot Mill this is the 2nd year they've done it. I missed out last year, but have heard great things. There are about 70 participants and I can't wait to find some fabulous treasures! One in particular that I'm pretty jazzed about seeing is Lily Pottery. I read about her work, featured in Garden and Gun last month seen here. She makes this incredible ceramic jewelry. I'd love a ring like this one:

Hubs will be at the C-L-E-M-S-O-N game, so it will be a perfect "girl's day out" to hang, shop, eat girl food, gab and drink wine!

In other news...

I've been a busy bee working on some new projects (both IRL and online!) and I'm excited to share them with you soon! One thing in particular that I think you'll like is this Den/Breakfast area that I'm about to get started on...my client's inspiration is this picture from the-now-seen-all-over-pinterest/blogs spread in Southern Living. She had picked it before it's massive popularity and I had already selected the oh-so-delicious-China Seas Zig Zag to use as a coordinate too! Serendipity!!

via Southern Living

There won't be any pink, but our version will equally stunning in her home!!!

xoxo,

Ms. Bright

Current Beauty Obsessions

2011-08-16T08:56:00.000-04:00

Are you a product junky like me?

I love finding new stuff to try and when I find something I like, I get a bit obsessed. I'll abandon all other previous loves and go straight for the newlove 24/7. Here are some of my current favorites that I'm obsessing over a bit:

{ Sephora's Teeny Bikini }

The most perfect shade of seafoam the world may ever know. It looks far more aqua in the pic, but it's really a lovely shade. Their polish goes on velvety smooth and lasts!

My time to wear this is coming to an end as we head into fall, so I've been wearing it to death!

{ Sephora by OPI in Traffic Stopper Copper }

This stuff is THE BOMB. I know nobody really says that anymore, but it's that awesome. It's a top coat with different size metallic copper glitter and I wear it on my tootsies. It looks especially good over a pale pink like

A True Romantic (3rd from the left below)

I can't tell you how many people comment on my pedi!! I like to put on about 3 coats to get a more solid shiny new penny look.

I keep meaning to snap a picture, but I forgotted. About 5 times.

Here's a pic of somebody else's nails with it...you get the idea. Truly much prettier in person!

Plus, it looks like this is over a more gold base.

I can't wait to try it over a teal/peacock blue this fall!!

And since I'm giving out beauty secrets...

here's the last top coat you'll ever need to buy:

If you haven't ever, make sure you do. It's amazing and only about $5! It quickly dries your nails (which is key for a girl who manages to mess them up almost instantly!!) And it keeps your mani/pedi nice and like-new glossy! You can find it at CVS and Sally, plus plenty of other places, I'm sure.

OK, that's all you're getting for now!

Have a happy Tuesday!

xo,

Ms. Bright

Tween Boy’s Room Sneak Peek

2011-08-11T08:35:00.000-04:00

Can y’all tell I’ve been a busy bee lately??
Here’s a snippet of another in-progress room…

I thought you might wanna see it, since I did a mini-install last night.

We're still waiting for a few things to come back from the workroom and a couple of late orders to arrive, but it's gonna be cute...or cool. Aren't these pillows darling?! I'm really thrilled with how they turned out! He probably wouldn't want me to call his room "cute" or "darling", though!!

This was the original plan…

We've deviated a tad from the plan, per usual. But with it comes some great alternative results. There's even a nice little DIY mixed in that I'll share soon!!

We're off to the Island this evening. YAY! Three whole days without work!! Don't misunderstand me, please, I'm fortunate to have a full-time job (especially in this economical climate) and I'm even luckier to have design projects coming out my ears, but it's always nice to have a little pause to "recharge", right?!

Have a fantastic and restful end to your week!!

xo,

Don’t let your JOY get stolen.

2011-08-10T08:12:00.001-04:00

This is as much a reminder to myself, as it is to you:

I saw this the other day on Pinterest and then again on Isabella & Max.
It’s such a bold, yet simple statement.
Comparison is something I struggle with. I guess it’s only human nature.
It’s especially easy to let it happen when you read blogs more than once in awhile!! Can I get an “amen”??
{thank you}
We’re get so caught up “in the pursuit of happiness” that we forget to just be happy…
Here’s what I’m saying:
Hold tight to your joy {Lesley}. Be happy with what you’ve been blessed with {Lesley}. Just be you {Lesley}. Do not compare yourself or your life to others {Lesley}.

By the way, this is in no way a "sad or depressed" post!! It's just a good reminder to be content and grateful, that's all!

I think I may have worried my mom a bit :)

Have a Joyful Wednesday, lovelies!

xo,

Client Master Bedroom Sneak Peek

2011-08-05T06:59:00.000-04:00

Wanna see some grainy camera phone shots?

OK.

You remember this?

And this post I did about it??

Well, now it’s looking like this:

We’re still waiting for a few things to arrive, but it’s coming along nicely, don’t you think? I can’t wait for the huge, granny-smith-apple-green bolster to be ready!! She’s gonna be a beaut, Clark!

Sorry once again for the sparse posting. I won’t make any excuses, but fact is I’ve been busy, just like everybody. I’ve been a bit more busy than usual, for me. I simply haven’t made the time to write posts early. I am sorry. And I’m glad you’re still around…waiting for something decent!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy these bits of summer-even though it’s HAWT!!! Soon enough, it’ll be January and we’ll all be wishin’ and prayin’ for summertime!

xo,

Decorators and Designers F thru J

2011-08-01T08:22:00.001-04:00

Hope you had a fun weekend, or at the very least restful! I meant for this post to go live last Thursday and somehow I failed. My bad. By the way, Captain America is definitely worth seeing, worth the $7, $8 or $9.50, for sure. Chris Evans was choice for the role, but I couldn't help but be a bit reminded of a jr. high / early high school "semi-beau" I had. Of course, he didn't look like Captain America when he was 14 or 15. It was after he'd joined the Marines and I saw him on FB 15 years later that this happened. And that was a little weird. Alrighty then...!

So, without further delay…

Last week, I gave you the first installment of my favorite designers and decorators { A – E } . Today’s batch is F – J and I’ll give some of my favorite examples of their work. These are names that are both well known, the world over and the “new kids”, too!
Enjoy, mes amies!

{ Frank Roop }
He does such a nice job of mixing sleek modern and traditional finishes in his “couture” interiors.

{ Ginger Brewton }
No wonder she was named by House Beautiful as one of the 20 new designers to watch! I really like this home she’s done on Kiawah. She’s nailed the non-coastal, coastal look.

{ Hillary Thomas }
Most all of her designs are punched with cheeky, preppy touches. These two rooms kill me. The caning fabric used for roman shades is fantastic and that pagoda armoire- are you kidding me?!?! Come on Goodwill, hook me up!!

{ Kathryn Ireland }
You know her from MDD. But It was rooms like these that made me remember her name. This second image with the twin beds gets honorable mention for use of a William Wegman print!

{ Jonathan Adler }
His hyperactive use of brights and bold and dramatic styling always causes a splash. Definitely, not everybody’s taste, but no matter what your’s is, it’s obvious he has talent!

Decorator {and Designer} A B C’s

2011-07-27T07:06:00.002-04:00

"It's in my horoscope. I'm a Cancer on the cusp of Leo. You know, Cancers are very domestic, and Leos are very aggressive. So what do you do with aggressive housewives? You make them decorators." -Paul Wiseman

I suppose this explains why me and over half of my fellow UK COD classmates have July birthdays! It must be true. Whether you go for that sort of “hooey” or not,
here are some of my fave decorators and designers, a few at a time…in ABC order. Today I’ll cover A – E

Learn ‘em. Love ‘em!

tied for A:

{ Amanda Nisbet }
Such great and unapologetic use of color! The green in here kills me, in a good way!

{ Ashley Whitaker }
I’m always drawn to lattice on walls. It’s so very 1950s Palm Beach. This particular house has a great flow, even though each room has completely, it’s own set of rules.

{ Buckingham Interiors }
This kitchen in Evanston is yummy. Check out that scrumptious lighting!! Simple, but elegant dining room. Props for the Chicago girl!

{ Caitlin Wilson }
So fresh and so clean clean. I love an all white kitchen. I don’t want one for myself, but I think they’re stunning. If I had one there’d be the ghost of Sunday Gravy haunting those lovely countertops! The second photo is practically “the blog bicycle”. It’s been around alot, but that’s just because it’s awesome.

{ David Hicks }
This room was featured in McCall’s in 1971! Isn’t it fabulous? I’ve really liked the Corbu chairs for what seems like FOREVER. This is timeless. And YUM.

{ Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors }
I love this open, but still cozy feeling coastal kitchen and dining. She’s so great with details. This polished nickel lighting, aqua glass knobs, expansive transom and cafe shelves. Boom. I also like her relaxed trad style. It’s never stuffy, but almost always obviously southern. 2 points.

Next up, F-J natch.
Happy hump day!
xo,

{ Weekend Wishes }

2011-07-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the sparse posting this week. I know y'all understand...especially in the summertime, the hours somehow flit by and before you know it your brain has fallen asleep, quickly followed by your body...
I think it's the heat. My mom has always said that when it's exceptionally hot, it tires us, and I really truly believe that. And it's not just down here in the dirtydirty that's hot! It's all over this mug! Now you know. Now y'all understand! This is what's refered to down here as "Africa hot".
Hope you're keeping cool...somehow!!

{via Pinterest}
Did that help?? Hey, I tried!

If you follow my tweets, you may have seen where we were given a boatload of organic fruits this week! Our neighbors, whom I adore, keep a small organic farm. (You've even seen part of their home last year on the blog...Home Tour Reveal }They called on the way back from the farm and brought over Purple Cherokee Heirloom Tomatoes, the most delish Cantaloupe and a ginormous Watermelon that's one of the best I've ever tried!! I took a picture of it. It's still on my camera. Sorry.

{via google}

This weekend I'm making this:

{ watermelon sorbet }

And because I'm feeling froggy, I'm making this too...because I'm all about the creamy and (apparently bad for you...) I've been pretty good this week, plus I plan to take some across the street to, as they say, "share the wealth"

{ watermelon gelato }

I wish I had a way of sharing some with y'all! How about I post the recipes and then you can make some on your own, huh??

Here's a pretty photo via Pinterest. It's a building in Barcelona. Isn't it great?

I wanna go there. Yesterday. But it's probably hot in Barcelona, too.

Happy weekend m'dears!

I promise lots of designy-goodness to return soon!

xo,
Ms. Bright

What's Happening in the Bedroom...another Client Sneaky Peek!

2011-07-19T10:08:00.000-04:00

Now, now, not like that! Let's keep it PG, people!! ;)

Look familiar??

{ I showed you this artwork from United Thread, last week! }

So, I wanted to share with y'all a sliver more of a project I'm currently working on. We're doing multiple spaces in this sweet couples' first home, but first on the priority list was their Master Bedroom! The darling wife has been diligently working on the downstairs ever since getting married last November {and with the help of another designer and super talented blogger you all know}, it's looking fantastic!!! But this is about their master and what's going on in there...design-wise. Here's the original design board I presented to her:

Lucky for them, hardly any furniture needed to be purchased, as a GORGEOUS bedroom suit was generously gifted to the bride and groom by her grandparents! And while I normally am totally against "suits" of furniture, this room is exempt from that rule! Its beautiful, rich and nicely designed pieces definitely hold their own and give a really nice balance of masculine and feminine to the space. I promised I wouldn't expose the "befores" (not that they're even remotely shameful!) but maybe once we have the "afters" I can give you a taste for compare and contrast sake!!

The three custom Euro shams done in Celerie Kemble's Bleeker arrived the other day.

And so did the applique monogrammed standard shams! And I have to give a shout-out to the PB for finally offering these affordable alternatives!!

It's always exciting to see a space start to come together. I think that's one of the most fun parts of doing design work- when all the parcels and packages start arriving!! Even when it's for someone else, it still feels a bit like Christmas!

I can't wait to show you all the finished room!

And a big "thank you" all for the birthday wishes last week!! I had a wonderful weekend full of celebrating and all of the blog comments, fb comments, tweets, texts, voicemails and emails made me feel extra special, so...
thank you!!!!

le 14 juillet et joyeux anniversaire!

2011-07-13T09:48:00.001-04:00

With tomorrow being my BIRTHDAY, I'm taking the rest of the week off for fun, food, fetes and family!!
My parents are coming into town tomorrow and I'm giddy! One of my best friends is also joining us on Friday for a quick visit on her way home to ATL!

I wanted to wish you all a happy Bastille Day {tomorrow} and early weekend wishes!!!
And to do so, here are some lovely images, some sweet treats for your eyes, tres apropos, non?

We'll start with beignets, as it's my birthday tradition...

{ pretty pink bunting cake }

{ bunches of balloons }

{ le 14 juillet en Paris }

{ Bastille inspired scheme }

{ Bastille Day by Ludwig Bemelman }

{ festive macarons }

{images via pinterest}

Have a lovely rest of the week and weekend, lovlies!!

xoxo,

Ms. Bright

A buh buh bird bird bird, bird is the word!

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, but can't help but thinking of that episode of Family Guy where Peter sings this nonstop. Strictly hilarious. Do you still love me, even though I've just admitted to watching Family Guy? And posting it?

Hope so.

Reason for this awesome post title is I wanna share a link with y'all!

I was introduced to this fabulous etsy shop by Jamie of I Suwannee about a month ago and have been fawning over it ever since. And now I'm supa-dupa excited, because I'm getting to use her work in not one, but two projects I have going on right now!!

You know that nursery I was telling y'all about last week {this post}...

{ "All the Single Ladies" isn't that a darling title?}

Aren't they the loveliest?!

I'm hoping to do a triptych of these! Pretty, girly, whimsical, but not too juvenile.

And then there's this one. Aren't the colors just GORGEOUS?!?! A darling dear of a client is getting this one in her Master Bedroom!

I can't wait to show y'all the plan for this room...it's going to be amazing!

Yay for pretty, affordable art!! Go check out United Thread and Michelle's beautiful work!

Have a great Monday, Bright Lifers!

xo,

Ms. Bright

Makin’ our Mark

2011-07-07T08:16:00.050-04:00

Y’all ready for a LOT of pictas??

Well, then, read on!!

A couple of weekends ago we took a little impromptu trip up to Kentucky. You may know that I graduated from the University of Kentucky and most people associate several things with that-

Basketball

Horses

Bourbon

And it’s true, UK is home to the greatest tradition in college basketball. It’s located in the “Thoroughbred Capital of the World” and it’s surrounded by countless distilleries and even boasts The Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
One bourbon in particular stands out from the rest and is favored by Kentuckians and UK students past and present and that’s Maker’s Mark.
Maybe it’s their genius marketing scheme and clever advertisements or maybe it’s just because it’s that good.
I know it may seem strange for a brand, and especially a liquor brand, to hold such a strong place in one’s heart, but in Kentucky, that’s just the way it is.

People collect the bottles. Did you know that? There are special bottles produced in limited quantities. Here are some of my recent faves…

See, Maker’s invites it’s fans to become "Ambassadors". To spread to goodness and “love”, so to speak, to those less fortunate…to those who have never known the pleasure of a good bourbon!

When you become an Ambassador, your name goes on a brass plate and they put it on a whisky barrel. After that barrel’s contents have aged 7 years, it’s ready to be bottled and when that happens it’s time to make your pilgrimage to Mecca.
{you also get all sorts of swag and an annual Christmas present!!}

Here’s a pic of my barrel plate!

Yep, it has my maiden name…

They make a big deal out of it and send you official invitations and a pass to buy bottles from your own barrel and dip them. In the wax. The famous red sealing wax with the iconic drips...you know?

Here are some shots from our trip!

The long and winding SINGLE LANE road! Only alot bit scary…

Where the magic happens!

“Mama Samuel’s Laboratory”

Bill’s sketch book

The grounds

The Mash vats, those things don't have liners, either!

It’s fermenting!!!! {and by the way, they tell you to touch it…I’m no rebel!}

The very first barrel

Barrels waiting their turn! See the brass plates on all of them?

And now it’s time for a taste!!!

There’s me, getting every last drop of 46

and then it was time to dip my bottle!

Putting on my label…

Ready to dip! Wayyyy excited and wayyyy nervous! Don’t judge!!
You DO NOT wanna mess your dip up, people!!

DIPPING!!!!
Check out all my protective gear!   Tres chic, no?!
After I dipped, I put a special ambassador 2011 seal in the top of the wax. It’s a keeper, fo sho!

They had tons of neat gifts and products to take home…even some Vineyard Vines!! Very tempting…

So, there’s your virtual tour of the other Happiest Place on Earth!

We made our way up to Louisville after our tour, to hang out with one of my besties…ANL, {tragic initials, we know}
On the drive, we stopped in Bardstown, by My Old Kentucky Home, the actual house that inspired the state song...
The song that’s played at the end of every UK sporting event.
The song that’s sung just before they run The Derby.
The song that makes my eyes well up as if someone pinched my heart with all their might…
God bless Stephen Foster.



After we ate our weight in chips and the most amazing guac ever {picture that scene from the Heartbreak Kid, where Malin Akerman is scarfing that stuff down}, the three of us took a ride in ANL’s convertible across the river into {sketchy} Indiana and went to the DRIVE-IN!!!

We saw a double feature of Green Lantern and The Hangover Part 2…the first show started at 9:45!
Way campy and way fun….we even saw a shooting star!

Here’s me and JMB after our very looooooong, but very funnnnnnnn day…taken at approximately 2am!!

Cheers, m’dears!!

Off the Wall

2011-06-29T11:47:00.002-04:00

I love how "To the Masses" brands are trying to catch up to the designer "To the Trade" lines!! It all goes back to the idea that good design does NOT equal expensive or exclusive. This was another mantra that I learned at UK's College of Design and it stuck!

By now you've probably seen some of the fabulous designs in Candice Olson's wallcovering line through York.
If not, here's a snippet:

metallics!

sanded textures!

glass bead textures!

faux bois!

delicate paisleys!

They're all surprisingly large scale and Guh-orgeous in person!!

I'm currently designing a nursery around this one:

It's a lovely subtle metallic and the trellis pattern has a light sand texture. I CANNOT wait to share the rest of the plan with y'all!!!!! Think greys, pale pinks and pops of coral!

Happy Hump Day, Bright Lifers!!

xo,
Ms. Bright

Sleepy

2011-06-27T07:50:00.000-04:00

Good morning, friends! I’m not quite ready for Monday, how about you? So, while I yawn a few more times and pour a second cup of joe, here are some lovely bedrooms for you to enjoy. I chose these particular rooms from the hundreds I have saved, because of their coziness factor and because they look like a perfect place for a summer nap. Aren’t summertime naps the best? You know, the afternoon, during the heat of the day to have the ac cranked and the fan blowing and just rest? Such a treat!

{AH&L, Alys Beach House}

{ Liz Lange’s bedroom by Jonathan Adler }

{ AH & L }

{ Domino }

{ Katie Ridder }

{ Meg Braff }

Have a great day!
xo,

Cuttin' a rug

2011-06-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

Like that title? Clever, huh. Nope, not at all. And I'm totally aware...but I'm kinda running on fumes right now so please bear with me!!! And by the way, I've been trying to post for 2 days...blogger is not my best friend right now!

It should be obvious, that this post is all about rugs, like this one.

{Illusion in beige}

has a little bit of an Imperial Trellis look, right?

I've been on the hunt for a some fabulous looking and fabulously budget friendly rugs and here are some great ones I turned up. I wish I had a project or use for every single one of them! It's bad when you wanna redesign your home around a rug that you've only seen online!

I typically haunt www.Overstock.com for good rugs, but I was actually looking for a bound herringbone sisal so I headed over to www.HomeDecorators.com because they have a great selection and are CHEAP!
I got distracted pretty quick by these lovelies...

Argonne in yellow {also in red, sage, and brown}

Doily in ivory

Espana charcoal

also in orange!

Fez in charcoal {but also in indigo and celadon}

Labyrinth in teal/beige {also in brown/ivory}

Martha Stewart Fretwork in beige{also in deep charcoal/brindle}

Palo in blue {in beige and red, too}

Rosa in teal/blue {all your favorite Weinrib colorways also}

Martha Stewart Resort Weave in driftwood {sealing wax red, sage and gold, too}

Here's hoping one of these is perfect for your home!!

xo,

Ms. Bright

now, for another diet coke!