Bright + White

Just because I'm kind and generous and I know none of you have anything else you need to be doing, I thought I might share with you my latest blog addiction.  This is for all you home design lovers:  The Style Files. 

It's a little eclectic for my tastes sometimes, but most of the rooms and houses featured are so airy, sparse and bright that it immediately makes me want to pack my bags and head for the Netherlands, or the south of France, or wherever that home might be.

Modern Rustic Kitchen

Holiday Home in the South West of France

Mexican Kitchen

Paris Living Room

See what I mean?  Aren't you just drawn into these rooms?  One thing they all seem to have in common is beautiful natural light.  Living in an older home is making me appreciate how newer houses are almost all built to let in as much light as possible.  And why wouldn't you?  I've never understood people who could live with their blinds down all the time.  I feel physically ill if I don't see daylight for 80% of the day.  The only way I survived at a desk job when I had one was that it was a) part time and b) near a window.  And while we're on the subject of light... have you noticed the trend towards WHITE homes? I'm loving it!  Talk about playing up your natural light...one of the fastest ways to brighten up a room is a fresh coat of white or neutral paint.

More from the Style Files . . .

I just want to know how you keep a space like this clean?

They even painted the wooden beams white and it looks so rustic and pretty with the natural floors.

Notice here those four unpainted beams in the center of the ceiling, 

and the little pop of color the mirror adds, bottom right.

And this one is from Pinterest . . . 

                                                            Source: granvillehouse.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

By the time we have the funds and the work ethic to build our own home or buy and renovate an old one, I wonder if my tastes will have changed?  I told Tim earlier today, "It's white walls, concrete floors, and no clutter for this girl!"  We'll see.  I do have a thing for color...

Honesty is my Policy

This is the problem with blogging.  You shouldn't blog unless you have something interesting and worthy of writing about.  If you don't blog, however, you lose your audience.  Which is why a lot of bloggers end up blogging about really dumb stuff.  Read on for examples.

A few days ago I got into my steaming, sweltering hot car to run an errand.  Then I proceeded to put up the windshield sunscreen to protect myself from the blazing sun, only to realize . . .  well, it's awfully hard to drive like that.  Later, I tangled myself up in 100 feet of clothesline that I was trying to hang in our back yard, all the while praying my neighbors were employed for regular work hours and weren't at home to watch my ridiculousness.  Yesterday, I returned the Netflix movies to the post office, completely forgot I had mailed them, suggested watching one to Tim that evening, and then didn't realize I'd made the trip until I couldn't find them anywhere.

Do you ever feel like the older you get, the more stupid you become?

I distinctly remember a time when I FELT SMART.  Of course, it was in college.  I was studying my booty off and learning new vocab words and raising my hand to answer questions.  Now most of the time when someone asks me a question I'm not paying attention the first time, and when they repeat themselves I often don't understand them, so I have to ask for a third chance.  I've gotten really amazing at giving the blank stare.  Sometimes I even tell people I'm hard of hearing, so they take pity on me.

Really the only thing I have going for me anymore is honesty.  I'm not afraid to tell people I'm pretty stupid.  Do I use my iPhone for simple math?  Yes.  Do I forget what I'm saying mid-sentence?  Sure do.  But . . . I can make your house look real pretty!  I can plan your wedding to a "T"!  Hire Me!  Honesty is my policy!

Hopefully by tomorrow morning I will have forgotten I wrote this post at all.

Cute As A Button Baby Shower Theme

Happy Sunday!  I'll share a secret . . . today I might be going to the Bridal Extravaganza here in Austin!  If I do, don't worry local Brides, I'll be sure to share the deets.  Meanwhile, apparently it is the week for collages.  This is for all my expecting & mommy friends.  I'm sure you get sick of me talking weddings, so I opted for something a little more "button" oriented for today's post.  See you Monday!

{cute as a button baby shower theme}

all photos @ Pinterest.com

Aren't those little shoes and silver button necklace adorable?  Great shower gifts.  I thought this shower would be the perfect time for a craft project, like maybe creating a button clock to take home?  And that framed letter A made from buttons is pretty easy for an expecting mom to make for her baby's nursery and looks delightful.  The button-rose bush centerpieces can be color coordinated to your theme colors!

One last thing . . .

Didn't your grandmother ever tell you that you were "cute as a button"?  Well, maybe YOU weren't, but I sure was!  Just take a look at my over-abundant cuteness, including my "Little Sister" t-shirt with my own handprints on it.  

Can you deny it?  Too bad it wore off.

The People's Purple

Have you noticed this lovely little subtle Lavender color popping up everywhere?  Maybe it's the shabby-chic and vintage trend that has brought it back into the color flow, but whatever the cause I think we can all agree on its loveliness. 

People are so afraid of purple.  Maybe this is one shade that is for everyone.  The People's Purple. :)

Those who follow me on Pinterest probably had a heads up what was coming for this afternoon's post.  Did you?

 

You can see other Purple Pins on my Lovely Lavender board . . . Happy Pinning!

Etsy Finds for a {perfectly Rustic wedding}

Happy Weekend!  Time for some online shopping . . .

Etsy.com could very easily be my best friend.  No where was more kind to me when shopping for Christmas gifts or gathering wedding inspiration.  You avoid crowds, no one gets irritable when you stand in the aisle debating for long minutes, and who doesn't love getting packages in the mail?  Not to mention, I just plain LOVE supporting craftsmen&women and getting homemade goodies.

If I were planning a rustic wedding, Etsy is the first place I'd go.  There are so many stylish pretty little things that can take your special day from bland to BOOM.  It's all in the details, folks.  Here are some things on Etsy right now I think would look amazing in a field, in a barn, in a little chapel, or on you, if your day has a rustic theme.

Etsy seller: SigneNjustJewellery / rosecut diamond ring, 18 karat gold


Wedding on a budget?  This gorgeous little diamond ring fits the simple and unique trend.

Etsy seller: CathodeBlue / vintage digital numbers


These cute little digital numbers would look really nifty used as table numbers.

Etsy seller: sewnnatural / felt handsewn hanging hearts


You could dangle these from a tree, off the pew or chairs, or purchase a whole bunch and get married under a hundred miniature hearts hanging over head.

Etsy seller: sofiartTOYS / all natural + organic soap wedding favors 



Maybe I'm the only sucker for soap, but I do love it and I would be a very happy wedding guest if you sent me home with one of these.  Plus they are just so darn cute. 

Etsy seller: the dainty woods / woodland chalkboard


Let's face it: everyone and their dog is using chalkboards at their weddings!  I did it and I get why - you can reuse them afterward.  However, this one takes the cake with its rustic twist, and I love even after the festivities you can hang it like so and write little love notes to one another.

 Etsy seller: GoRustic / Card Box


Set out a personalized box like this one for guests to drop their cards to you.  Then later store wedding mementos in it.  Or better yet, going as a guest?  Give this as a gift!

Etsy seller: vintagegreenlimited / centerpiece or cake topper


I am not a big fan of birds, but this set I quickly warmed up to.  Look at those little heart feet!  Perfect as cake or table topper or to mark your guest book.

Etsy seller: FigsandGinger / boy+girl keepsake bunting wood cake topper


Speaking of cake toppers, this one is cute and definitely a keepsake.

Etsy seller: savagesalvage / tangled decayed upcycled pearl bib necklace


The seller calls this "Mermaid Farts."  I can see why, but I wouldn't tell anyone that if you decided to wear it on your wedding day!  It's so pretty though, how could you not?

Etsy seller: Sunday Hatch / wooden cake plates


My friend Danielle & her husband make these cute wooden cake plates.  These are so popular right now and look adorable with a pretty white cake perched on top.  Also make great centerpieces!

Etsy seller: NutfieldWeaver / khaki burlap pew cone


Whether a row of chairs or a wooden chapel pew or a plank bench, this burlap pew cone filled with lavender would be a pretty and romantic touch.