doggone adorable

 Need I say more?

* image courtesy of http://reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com/

stripes and more stripes

Love how stripes have been incorporated into these rooms. Think I just might have to have them in the playroom some how.

*image courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com/

it's beach time

I'm ready for vacation! Wish I had this cute outfit to take with me.

*image courtesy of  http://www.shopruche.com/

southern charm

I heart this lookbook - the location, the photography, the model, the styling, the hair, the makeup are all incredible. Reminds me of the summers we'd go on the road with my dad to Louisiana and Mississippi. While he worked his accounts my mom would always have the most whimsical places to take us to, including to play in gigantic trees like these. Wonderful memories.

*image courtesy of http://shopruche.com/

blackberry farm

What a beautiful and unique setting for a wedding.

I'm so excited Madison comes home from Rhode Island today after her first year away at college and I'm the lucky girl who gets to pick her up from the airport. Now if I can just stay awake until midnight.

*image courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com/

couch potato

Well I caught Jonathan's bug and you'd think after lying on the couch all weekend I'd be recovered, but I'm still down for the count. I've watched a lot of HGTV while trying to feel better and I just love this dining room from Sarah's House. I've been looking for a bench seat like the one shown above to put with my kitchen table and chairs, but I want to have it in a linen or twill fabric. I'd also love to use that wallpaper on an accent wall somewhere in  my house too. Keep an eye out for me!

*image courtesy of http://www.hgtv.ca/sarahshouse/tips.aspx?sectionID=61&postID=8972

tea time

New recipe to try.

Ingredients:

4 hibiscus tea bags

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

4 cups boiling water

2 cups apple juice

2 cups cold water

Ice cubes, for serving

Mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

In a large heatproof pitcher, combine tea bags, mint leaves, and boiling water; steep 10 minutes. Discard tea bags and mint. Add apple juice and cold water; refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice with sprigs of mint, if desired.

*image courtesy of http://www.marthastewart.com/

cheerful design

Love how cheerful these rooms are. I've been thinking I want a jute rug for my living room and this just affirms it...I'm on the hunt.

A wonderful photographer who is near and dear to me, Jonny (Donut) Carroll, is going take pictures this weekend of what we've done so far to the house, so excited! Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, my poor hubby is sick with a throat infection, hope he feels better soon!

*image courtesy of http://www.suzannekasler.com/

spring fever

I've got spring fever, vacation fever...I just want to be away from the office and outside. Not long until I'm lying on the beach reading a good book. Think I'll make myself a vacation paper chain, the vacation countdown begins! Oh and I'll be needing everything Kate Spade has in her stores right now for it.

*image courtesy of http://www.katespade.com

happy mothers day

Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms in this world!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom in-law. You're an incredible mom who raised the most amazing man that I'm so fortunate to be married to.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom. You're a wonderful mom, my best friend and the loveliest woman on earth. I have some very big shoes to fill one day.

I love you both very much!

*image courtesy of Kate Spade

happy friday

I'm headed out to find a patio to soak in this beautiful weather and enjoy a cocktail.

Doesn't this sound good? Think I'll make this for my brother and soon to be sister-in-laws wedding shower.
Sparkling Strawberry Mimosa
2 oz. Frozen Sliced Strawberries in Syrup, partially thawed
2 oz. Orange Juice
4 oz. Chilled Champagne
Combine sliced berries and juice in blender and blend until smooth. Pour over ice into a parfait glass. Fill with champagne and garnish with a whole strawberry and an orange slice.

*image courtesy of http://www.architecturaldigest.com/

the inspiration

I'm often asked where my ideas come from and what's my style - where do I start?

I'm inspired most by Rosemary Beach (my home away from home for one week every summer), but I also get inspiration from places my husband and I travel to (the Palm Beach Ritz Carlton is immaculate), HGTV (Sarah Richardson and Candice Olson are my favorites), magazines (Veranda and Architectural Digest to name a few), local shops (Gray Living, Mary Cates & Co, Blue Print... the list goes on and on), and last but certainly not least my mom (the visionary).

Unfortunately my inspiration usually comes with a large price tag, so I'm always running around town trying to find something similar for less (so thankful to have the Wisteria outlet in Dallas). My aunt Cj gave us the greatest advice when we first bought our house two years ago - take your time finding/saving for the pieces you love. Our house is an ongoing project.

So, what's my style? Contemporary. Rosemary Beach meets Park Avenue.

*images courtesy of http://traceryinteriors.com/

my hero

Thanks to my amazing husband and my incredible dad the new appliances are installed. I say it all the time and I'll say it again I have the BEST family. My dad is my hero. He's there whenever I need him. He's loyal. He's caring, but he can also tell you the things that are hard to hear. He's creative. He's a very successful businessman, but he's also a handyman. He's addicted to sugar. He's a loving husband (and has been for over 29 years). He's my dad and because of him and the values he's instilled upon me I'm living a wonderful life (and addicted to sweets!).

Now to figure out what I'm going to cook in my new oven...maybe a cake.

*image courtesy of Bella Foster

hello sunshine

I love the color yellow and on this unusually cold and dreary day in Dallas I thought these rooms by Sarah Richardson (one of my interior design heroes) had just the perfect amount of Vitamin D. Happy Monday!

*image courtesy of http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/