{DIY} Inspiration + Weekend Reading

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Wow, I love when a DIY project results in something stunning!   Can you believe this is a simple paper lantern embellished with paper flowers?

This office space makes me drool!

What Makes You Come Alive?

Are you ready for an impromptu picnic?

The talent and beauty of this woman inspires me!

I’m partnering with some dynamic bloggers and interior designers here in Atlanta to host a Yard Sale this summer.  I hope it’s as amazing as this one! {stay tuned to more details}

Strawberry Shortcake

A big Thank You to all my readers for stopping by everyday!  Have a fab weekend!

I Want to Paint Something PINK

Do you ever go through a phase where you are totally smitten with a color and just want to surround yourself with it?  You want to wear it, decorate with it and have almost found yourself calling it your favorite color.  Well pink, hot pink to be exact is my color crush of the moment.  I just can’t get enough of it and the happy vibe that it puts out.  I recently found myself searching for pink pieces to add to my wardrobe and am looking for ways to incorporate the color into my décor.  Pink is one of those colors that can be used in a variety of ways, always makes a statement and puts a smile on my face!

I love the idea of transforming an old piece of furniture into a special piece with pink paint and new hardware.

 Or maybe I’ll take a few of the old frames I have stored in my garage and paint them pink.  It could be the start of a really fabulous gallery wall.

Painting a basket hot pink just might work too.  I can envision this pop of color brightening up my black and white bedroom for summer.

 Maybe new DIY pillows are in order.

I just thrifted several old candlesticks that could be up-styled with some pink paint.

 

I’m also in love with the idea of painting some old book covers hot pink.  What do you think?

I come across old flatware all the time when I’m out thrifting and think this paint project could be a fun one.

Painting is not something I do a lot of, especially when it’s 85 degrees outside but I’m itching to get a little crafty this weekend.  Stay tuned and see what falls prey to my can of pink spray paint!

Fashion Focus: 6 Accessories I Want for Summer

With the passing of Memorial Day, summer is officially here!  In my book it’s time to pull out the bright colors, fun footwear, straw totes and bold jewelry.  These are just a few of the items I want to add to my summer wardrobe!

Handmade Rose Garden Necklace $ 29.00

Mossimo Large Straw Tote  $ 34.99

Run Around Framed Stone Earrings $ 78.00

Foxy Stud Earrings $ 2.80

Multi Colored Espadrilles $ 29.90

Filigree Cuff  $ 5.80

 

 

What new pieces are you shopping for this summer?

Serenbe: A Hidden Paradise

I mentioned yesterday that the hubs and I took a road trip on Memorial Day to a small community outside Atlanta.  Serenbe is located in Chattahoochee Hill Country  about 45 minutes from Atlanta.  The drive to Serenbe is really nice, especially when you leave the main highway and travel down country roads.  You pass farmland, lush pastures, lakes and rolling wheat fields.  All along the road you’ll find cute country cottages and a few large country estates.  Just when you seem to be deep into the countryside you see the sign for Serenbe and immediately you’re transported to someplace wonderful.

The first stop at Serenbe was Greenhouse.  My friend Kenya recently moved her store from Senoia to Serenbe and has created an even more adorable boutique.  Greenhouse carries a wonderful selection of vintage, fair trade and handcrafted home décor and gift items and new to their mix is clothing and personal accessories. When you walk into Greenhouse you’ll immediately be entranced by the wonderful smells of fragrant candles and handmade soaps and you’ll want to look in every corner at all the fabulous vintage pieces Kenya has found.  I am so grateful to have some of my jewelry pieces for sale at Greenhouse can’t wait to go back for another visit and more shopping.

Greenhouse

9117 Selborne Lane
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia 30276
Phone: 678.857.9025
shopgreenhouse.blogspot.com

 

After our visit with Kenya, the hubby and I headed to the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop for lunch.  This charming café and bakery was the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon sipping ice tea and watching the world go by.

The outdoor tables were just as cute as the inside of the bakery.

Wood framed ceilings, brick walls and lots of vintage charm.

After lunch we strolled the streets a bit and I was just in awe of the beautiful homes along the tree lined streets.  What really gives Serenbe its charm is the uniqueness of each of the homes, townhomes and condos…no two are alike.

One of the features that Serenbe prides itself on is the lifestyle of the area…

“Outdoor Lighting Regulations=Clear, starry skies”

“Native Plates & Organic Landscaping=no front or back lawns, just natural foliage”

“Walkability=everything in Serenbe is connected via a walking path”

The streets are lined with benches,

and even the street lamps are charming and handcrafted!

After doing some walking we got in the car and drove around the main property.  Beautiful farmland with lakes sprinkled about.

The buzzards sit along the side of the lake and in the trees and were pretty awesome to look at.

We stopped and petted the donkeys and the hubs gave me a lesson on the difference between a donkey and a mule, which was obviously needed since I thought these were miniature horses.

We also petted some of the horses in the riding stable

and that beautiful white horse came running towards me for a pet.  It must know I have a love for horses.

We also stopped in for a visit at the Inn at Serenbe.

As we drove around the property, people in passing cars would wave and I felt like I was in an episode of Little House on the Prairie, on the million dollar version~

The stables….

and another beautiful home at Serenbe.  More driving and more sights to see….

the General Store

and the farmer’s market field.

And isn’t this sign too cute for words.  The Nest is a rental loft located on one of the main streets of Serenbe, above one of the shops.

Once or twice around the property and we headed back to the center of Serenbe and coped a squat to watch a little of the afternoon activities, Bocce!

Many of the homeowners ditch their cars once and Serenbe and get around via golf carts.

Serenbe is truly a special place and although it is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, I felt like I was in a secluded paradise.

My new life mission is to win the lottery, move to Serenbe and own a cute little red golf cart!

Weekend in Review

 

Happy Tuesday! 

I hope the long weekend was wonderful for everyone.  The weather here in Atlanta was magnificent and I had 4 days of nothing but good stuff.

*  Since the entire weekend called for sunny days, I decided to brighten up my home with colorful flowers on the coffee table. 

*  I was in a jewelry making mood so I created some new pieces that will be added to my Etsy shop by the end of the week. Lots of other good stuff coming too!

*  On Saturday we attended a graduation party for the daughter of a good friend and had a great time.  The color story for the party was pink and white and the candy bar provided sweet treats for both the kids and adults.

*  Sunday we ventured to my favorite park, sat under a tree and listened to jazz music for 6 totally relaxing hours!  The Atlanta Jazz festival was a big draw and the park was packed with people who also made for great people watching. 

*  Yesterday we took a car ride about 45 minutes outside Atlanta to Serenbe.  We had never been there before and boy was it spectacular.  I’ll share more of our visit to this amazing place tomorrow, but for now all I can say is that I want to move to Serenbe!

As I sat at home last night, I hated to see the weekend come to an end, but am so grateful that I got to spend time doing stuff I love, spending time with friends and experiencing new places. 

Life is good!

p.s.  I made it to 16,000 pins!

Things to do on a Holiday Weekend

I’m excited about this holiday weekend.  I’m planning on doing a little work (fun stuff only) and spending most of my time relaxing and enjoying the sun.  Besides attending a graduation party for a special friend on Saturday, I’m planning to do these things….

Go on a Picnic

Do some shopping

Read lots of magazines

(My stack of unread mags is out of control)

Walk in the park

(the best people watching ever)

Visit Serenbe for the first time

and if I’m really feeling energetic I’m going to see if I can reach 16,000 pins on Pinterest!

I’ll be back on Tuesday to share all my weekend fun.  Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Design Details: Making an Entrance

I’ve always said that the difference between an OK looking room and a STUNNING room is in the design details. Little things like architectural details, unique windows, artistic flooring and eclectic accessories. One of the most overlooked design details of a home is often the first thing you encounter when you enter a home…the door knob.  How many of us really take the time to look at a door knob, let alone notice if it is special or unique?

A simple door knob update can make a huge difference to the first impression that your home gives off and it can set the tone for the STUNNING spaces that lie beyond its threshold.

Design details matter, starting at the front door.

 Changing out your door knob is a simple update that anyone can make and it just might be the design update your home has s been needing.

all images can be found on my Doors pinterest board