Come join me for coffee with Amanda Carol!

Join me today at my friend, Amanda Carol's blog!  We are having coffee together while she interviews me!  I am so excited….usually, I am the one asking questions.  You can read it all here.

Amanda is also a very talented designer in Houston.  Check out her beautiful work while you are on her site.

Happy Friday!

                                                           xx,

Spring Inspiration: What Starts Here Changes the World

University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address - 

Naval Admiral William McRaven

At this crazy time of year, when Spring has finally sprung, schools are letting out for summer, our schedules seem to be out of whack and we feel exhausted and ready for some time away,  I encourage you to stop… and find a few minutes to listen to this amazing commencement address at The University of Texas at Austin.  I can guarantee you it is worth all 19 minutes of your time.

It will inspire you and re-energize you… it will encourage you to be your best and seek the best in others…it will even empower you to want to make your bed EVERY day… and it will make you want to change the world a tiny step at a time. There is not a single person this will not speak to and move to action.

I, for one, will be putting this in my file to review and remind me every so often of what I am capable of doing when I forget.  I invite you to do the same… and to pass it along.

That's how what starts here changes the world.

                                  xx,  

Design Inspirtation: The Flower Show

Hello, Friends!   It has been way too long!

This week, I am preparing for my annual entry into my garden club's flower show.  I always select the category of "tablescapes" since I love to entertain and it gives me a chance to marry two things I love… the place setting as well as the flowers.  Two years ago, I won first place… last year, i came in 4th… (out of 4!)… so i must make a good come back with this showing.  I am not terribly competitive but I defintely do NOT like to come in last!

The theme this year for my category is "Italian Wedding" and it can be anywhere on the spectrum from something casual to a formal affair.  My arrangement is due in for judging bright and early on friday morning and I have yet to start!  (Where does all the time go??!!)  I am still trying to decide which color direction to go….brown & pink?  pink and green?  blue & yellow?  a range of purples?  something else entirely??

At any rate, here are some beautiful images I am using for my inspiration. 

M. Elizabeth Events

Stone Blossom Florals 

Stone Blossom Florals

The French Tangerine Blogspot

source unknown…via pinterest

Wedding & Events Floral Design

Source Unknown… via Pinterst

What comes to your mind with an "Italian Wedding" theme? I would love to know.


xx,    

Life Inspiration for a Friday

Happy Friday, everyone!

I have just returned from the Design Bloggers Conference in Atlanta and I am TOTALLY inspired!!!!  I love when that happens.  I have heard and met the MOST FABULOUS DESIGNERS…. Timothy Corrigan (so accomplished and inspiring), Candice Olson (so unbelievably talented), and Jeffrey Alan Marks (so totally adorable!  I want to have him over for dinner!!!).

Me and JAM

I have also heard from some wonderful, inspiring bloggers.  There is just so much to share but the SIMPLE RULES IN LIFE listed above are what I want to leave you with for the weekend (or Spring Break, if yours happens to be this coming week).  This is something we all know… but, of which, even the most motivated of us occasionally need to be reminded.  

I hope that if you are standing at a life cross-roads, contemplating an idea and cannot seem to get off the mark, or just need a little push to be brave regardless of the issue - this will send you in the right direction. 

If you just say YES and step out of your comfort zone, anything is possible.  We have all faced the fear… and when you look at just moving that mountain one teaspoon at time, you will get where you want to be.

BE INSPIRED!

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

xx,    

Design Trends: My Favorite Blue & White Wallpapers

Happy Monday, Friends!

Last week, I talked about the fabulous design trend of wallpaper making a huge comeback.  (If you missed that post, you can read it here).  Today, we are linking up with Jennifer at THE PINK PAGODA for another BLUE & WHITE PARTY so I thought I would bring you my favorite Blue & White wallpapers!  

I just adore starting off the week on such a happy design note… It ignites such inspiration for me.  I hope it will inspire you too!

Thibaut's Cut Paper

Rose Cumming's Zebrine in Navy

Osborne & Little's Summer Palace

Zoffany Blue Grasscloth
(I just put this in my office….It is DIVINE!)

Cole & Sons Honeycomb 
(And don't you just LOVE it on the ceiling???!!!)

Kelly Wearstler/ Groundworks for Lee Jofa
 Channels Paper

(so DYING to find a place to use this in my house!!)

Phillip Jefferies Chain Link in Navy

Farrow & Ball  - Vermicelli in white on blue

( I used this in my daughter's bathroom in blue on white… so young and fresh!)

Antonina Vella Dolce Vita Wallpaper in Navy Blue

If you have a favorite blue and white wallpaper, I would love to know about it!

                                                   xx.