Move Over Barbie - Ballard Barn Is Here!

Well, it's been quite a fun weekend + a while since I last posted anything, so here goes:
Highlights Since My Last Post:

• LOML is going to Law School! In FL!
• Baseball season is half-way over, only 30 something more games!
• Spent weekend laughing + enjoying time with the LOML
• Shopped @ H&M :)
• Shopped @ IKEA :)
• Cooked + ate dinner outside <3
• Saw Toy Story 3 + laughed my butt off!

Okay, so the Handsome Man in my life is moving + needing some house stuff ... he has what I like to call the "Man-sentials": big flat screen TV's, couch, desk, bed, iPod dock + laptop.
Needless to say, a bit of female direction was given this weekend, as we had a blast roaming through stores of house stuff ... dreaming mostly, but accomplishing some great stuff @ IKEA. Oh yea + he has a sharper clothing look now that he will be going to law school... he's handsome as anything in whatever he wears, except this Orange&Blue alma mater stuff ...  :-P yuk! Anyway, a trip to Urband Outfitters + H&M may have been for him!

After seeing so many beautiful house accessories, I really am craving a HOME!! Somewhere permanent. Somewhere with someone I love. Okay, so it's not just the pretty house stuff that makes me want that, I've dreamed of that all my life. I almost feel it's within reach now. Thank the Lord, really!!

But back to the decor {{because we know, that is my "thing"}} ... decided to play around on Polyvore + create my dream living room. Just the pieces, until they make a program where I can really make a room + actually dress it up like a real house. I blame all of this on my Barbie Dream House, circa 1990. Thank you, Mattel.

For Your Viewing Pleasure, I Present My  "Ballard Barn"
 {{Ballard Designs+PotteryBarn inspired}}

Same Adventures - Different Cities

This weekend was a long awaited visit for girls-only time with my awesome roommate from college. It's hard to believe that nearly six years ago this fall, we both moved into Reynolds Hall dormitory on Florida State University campus ... took one look at each other ... and thought "Oh Boy!"

(Photo 2004 & Photo 2010) 

We were complete opposites from our clothes (her vintage chic style & my preppy wardrobe) ... the music we listened to (her indie-rock & my pop) ... but then there were our similarities of antique shops & vintage stores, cooking + baking, laying out, beach trips on the weekend + bonding over Sex &  The City dvd's each night of our second semester in the dorm.
Needless to say, after 1 summer apart - we realized how much we really had found a friend in one another and six years later, I can say I'm truly grateful to have C as my awesome and "randomly chosen" college roommate! I don't think God is "random" & he knew what we would both need!

Okay, enough babbling  ~ so C decided to make a trip down south where I live and hang out. We spent all day Saturday catching up on life while I chauffeured us to all my favorite local antique / home decor / and vintage shops. When the 2 of us get together, we can do some AMAZING decor idea brainstorming and spend some serious $$ !! ((not this weekend, though!)) We even stumbled across a "new" store that had been on my little roadmap of shoppes for 6 years!! Check it out ... Morgan @ Belleair ... I scored the most chic + girly headband there & will probably be inspired to make my own version for another option!! Grey satin ribbon and a beautiful cream rose-y flower!


So - we have lunch at a local fish market & then I'm craving to take her to The Cupcake Spot on Central Ave. for a gourmet cuppy!! C scored a red velvet + this Queen B had a Buckeye ... chocolate cuppy with peanut butter frosting with a nice dollop of chocolate in the middle!!

We were quite shopped out at this point, so it was home for a nap, then dinner with Legs at a local bistro! C and I are camping in a few weeks with friends, so we're both already excited for another visit so close together! I'll be sure to snap some fun memories while camping up north of here!!

All for now ~ Hope ya'll have a fabulous week ... I've got some great things going on :)

xxxo - b

Rustique Mystique

I've yet to pinpoint exactly what it is about rusted, chippy pieces of nearly anything that are so charming to me. All I do know, is I'm certainly not alone in finding the charm of such old, abandoned, well-worn, left-out-to-dry pieces of life. Perhaps it was my Southern upbringing, loving the old and familiar (although, I don't remember having much rust around my house as a child!!), receiving something that has been passed down from generation to generation and that seeing just how time has loved on it.

Often times I think back to all the "rustic scenery" that I've passed along rural highways, be it in Georgia, Alabama, good ol' Tallahassee + it's outskirts, or throughout the Carolinas and the Big Easy & I wish now I had taken photos or been able to really convince my traveling partner to pull off the road & go root through some ol' abandoned place. I mean really, where else can you find *awesome* chippy wood doors with nice rusty windows!? I'm going to stop the next time I see that "scene" ... what's the worst that can happen?!

So, for the love of all things weather-worn, rusted and still completely chic in today's decor, I have to share a few of my favorite pieces!


                                           Odds & Ends

 

Miscellaneous Pieces of Home 

 

 Seriously, this door is just amazing! Nestle it back in a corner & maybe hang some photos from it with ribbon and nails... a bit primitive but still so chic!



                                                       
                                    


                                      Garden Architecture

Upper East Side Chic Shower

The inspiration board below is only a small excuse for what has kept me from doing a post on here in a couple of weeks!! My best friend "Legs" is getting married in November, and I'm the host of her Upper East Side Chic Lingerie Shower ... next weekend! We have been working on creating centerpieces, tablescapes, linens, and menu's. Needless to say, on top of MiLB season being in full swing + attempting to prepare for her shower, I've been preoccupied! Hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be able to post pictures from the actual event. Of course, I couldn't give away ALL my ideas here in this inspiration board ... there are some surprises to come!

Kisses, B


PS- The bridal salon shown is Priscilla of Boston, in Orlando. Legs found her wedding gown here as well as our bridesmaid dresses!! It was so heavenly in there :)

Growing My Portfolio!

So, another shower is in my hands ... this time for my bebe sister Lulu ... she's getting married October 1, 2010 & as the Maid of Honor, I'm hosting a fabulous shower! Lulu loves color, and I couldn't have thought of a more fabulous way to throw her a shower than one inspired by my favorite UK designer, Cath Kidston. She's the Vera Bradley of London :) check out her fabulously floral chic website So, below is an inspiration board I built of Lulu's "Around The Clock" shower. It's in late August, so I'm pulling the retro colors from Cath fabric and incorporating fun and bold colors of late summer. Can't wait to add real photos from the event to my portfolio as a Creative Consultant! Enjoy your weekend!!! I'll be working ~ such is the life of Minor League Baseball :)

xoxo B

I just wanted to share some of my favorite *BoLD* pieces from Christian Louboutin, Kate Spade, Chicos Jewelry, & Ann Taylor Loft for this summer. I'm a bit too tired to put together the inspiration board for my baby sister, Lulu's wedding shower right now ~ but trust me, I have some fabulous photo's to share! And more once the event happens :) Happy End-of-the-Weekend To ya'll! xo B

Spring Cleaning - Body Style

">Hey Ya'll!! Well, if it hasn't been two days longer than life since I have had a moment's peace to collect my thoughts + throw them here on my blog!! >awesome Yoga moves that help to stir-up & rid our bodies of the junk that accumulates from the air, food, and stress. If you're going to SPRING CLEAN your house, better clean out your body while you're at it! So, if you didn't know, I am a HUGE Yoga + Pilates fan. Working on my certifications to become certified in Stott Pilates Method, I also have a large interest in how & why our bodies respond to the environments we put ourselves in. For me, yoga + Pilates are a way to focus inside our minds and allow our bodies to "air out" if you will. I challenge everyone, no matter if you're FIT or FAT, to try the moves below. Do them about 5 times in the morning + evening and you'll notice a difference. If you're too embarassed to try Yoga at the gym, I bet your local library has great DVDs with instructors. So, get up and get into that Downward Dog, shake up the crap in your intestines, get your blood flow circulating to all parts of your body, and SPRING CLEAN yourself! You deserve it!

Nose-to-Knee Plank

This exercise brings heat to the digestive tract, burning up accumulated toxins and making them easier for the body to dispose of. Start in Downward Facing Dog (shown here). Then transfer your weight forward into the top of a push-up.

Nose-to-Knee Plank

Bring your right knee into your chest and try to touch your nose to that knee. Pull your belly in and hold for 15 seconds. Switch sides.

Seated Tree

This forward bend brings fresh blood to the abdomen, washing away waste products and revitalizing the entire area. Sit on the floor with legs straight out in front of you. Bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot to your inner right thigh, letting the left knee drop toward the floor. Lengthen your spine and reach forward to take hold of your right foot or shin. Twist your torso toward your right leg, folding forward at the hips over that leg. Stay here for 5 to 10 deep breaths, then switch legs.

And my PERSONAL FAVORITE (mostly because it involves no real movement + a chance to concentrate on your breathing) ...

Legs Up the Wall

This exercise encourages drainage of blood and lymphatic fluid from the feet and legs into the abdomen, where these fluids can be more easily cleansed. It also nourishes the digestive organs and gives the circulatory system a rest, which results in increased function and energy.

Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and right shoulder and hip touching a wall. Roll onto your back and swing your legs up, inching your butt as close to the wall as you can without straining your hamstrings. Put your arms on your belly, by your sides, or above your head. Stay for 2 minutes.

*Thank You Martha Stewart "Whole Living"* Just some food for thought, since I'm a book-worm ... Grab a copy of the following books for informative, insightful + healthy reading

• Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
• Skinny Bitch & Skinny Bitch In The Kitch (cookbook) - Rory Freeman
• Cooking the Whole Foods Way - Christina Pirello

Don't forget, eat an Earth-friendly diet whenever possible :) which includes

• Eat Locally, Organically & Seasonally
• Grow Your Own
• Choose Your Drinks Wisely (coffee, teas + beverages that are eco-friendly)
• Be Choosy when Dining Out (cut back on wasting napkins, plastic utensils, ask your local restaurant to choose recycled products in the composition of their utensils / napkins, etc)
• Be Sure the Seafood you Eat is Sustainable

That's all for now y'all! Have a fabulous weekend & do some yoga in the park :) It's invigorating! b

Easter Is More Than Eggs

I just wanted to share the reason we remember the walk of Christ down the Via Delorosa, the brutal death of our Savior Jesus among thieves on the Hill at Golgotha, his burial in a tomb covered with a stone, and 3 days later, rejoice in His holy resurrection.

That He has gone to be with His Father... Our Father. The perfect Father. He didn't have to do it, He wanted to, so that we all could have the choice to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.

Below are the powerful lyrics to a song written & performed by Phillips, Craig & Dean "Saved The Day"

The darkest day in history was over

All was lost on the cross Beaten, battered, bruised beyond description You gave it all, what went wrong? This couldn't be the end of Heaven's story 'Cause You came to save, to beat the grave Three days and now they're looking for Your body But You were gone, and now I know You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day Rescued from the shackles of my failure In the dead of night, You shined Your light Your gift of love is hope that springs eternal And because of You, all things are new You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day Oh God, You rescued me From my iniquities Your gift of love is hope that springs eternal And because of You, all things are new You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day You saved the day The day You rolled the stone away The empty grave is there to say You reign You saved the day You tore the holy veil away You opened wide the prison gates You saved the day

Luke 24:6-7 He isn't here! He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day?"

You Are The Everlasting God

Life Below the Mason Dixon ... Mason Love

Although their name has nothing to do with the famous line that once separated the North from the Great South in the 1770s, Mason (or Ball) jars, have been around since nearly as long. These jars have gone from their primary use of home canning (which, hello! All Southerns love to can their own veggies or pickle some peaches) to decor in weddings, homes, floral shows and even en mass for a visual impact. HARRISCLARKBLOG.COM I personally have been obsessed with collecting Mason Jars (blue ones) since my freshman year in college, when I had a tropical motif to my dorm room. I still have the first jar I bought, filled with shells from every beach I ever have visited. More recently, the Mister drilled a small hole in the bottom of one of my pint sized clear Mason jars so that I would be able to use it as a planter! The adorable wooden divided crate was a steal at a local antique street fair for $5. I have a few terra cotta pots + ball jars mixed in as planters. My dream wedding has always incorporated Mason Jars (j'adore the bleu ones!) either as center pieces or beverage holders. I love this shot from ThriftyFun blogger, using jute to wrap the bottom of the jar + adding some green Depression Glass plates (another fav!) I think it's of utmost importance to personalize your wedding day, and Mason jars are so me! Take a look at the photo-frame jars from Papery+Cakery blog. I would not have ever thought to do this :)

~~~~~~~~~~~> I'm dreaming up ideas of how to re-vamp this GIANT ball jar from Momma. She got it from a craft fair + it was rather primitive country. I love the little night light + have been using it in all it's country-fied glory in my kitchen for nighttime lighting. Any ideas on what to fill it with?? My kitchen is blue & yellow French country style... suggestions needed :)

theweedpatchstore.com

One of the most posh retro stores I know is Anthropologie. If you've not yet had the experience, you must find one near you, or on your next vacation. It's one of those stores I can muse through without a dime in my pocket, go home and put all that inspiration to good use! Although not everything is super pricey, everything IS super chic & adorable!!!! Check out their amazing display of mason jar lighting from a while back ... That's about all I have for now, hope that you find some inspiration from this post + if nothing else, at least some nice photos to look at :) Love + K's ~ B

Luxe Loves on Fabulous Friday

Hello Followers (although few at this point!)I have been blogging now long enough to come up with a theme for my Friday posts ...

FaBuLoUs fRidAyS

There have been a few days where taking the mental process of thinking & researching something to blog about, really is just a far reach for me. Blame it on the random hours I work + gym time I squeeze in 4 days a week + boyfriend + social life.So today is the first "FABULOUS FRIDAY" post + you're in for a treat :) First off: Christian Louboutin: the love of my life since I could pronounce the word "shoe" ! These fabulous Lou's, blue glittery heels in all of their red-sole'd glory are nothing, I mean nothing short of FaBuLoUs. My eyes literally sparkled at first sight!!

Since my move to Tallahassee & falling in love with a monogramming store called M&M Monogramming, I have had to get at least 1 "Two's Company" bag each season. The great thing about their bags is the versatility for the price. They're always stylish, and used as gym bags, beach bags, or throw-all bags (those that I keep handy for when I need to dash out the door) ... Check out the new FaBuLoUs Styles for Spring & Summer!!

For those of you without an expensive shoe or bag fetish like my own, I have a FaBuLoUs Green craft project that involves ball jars (Love!!) & some old pi eces of shelving or scrap wood! Throw a few coats of paint on it & you've got this adorable storage piece which you can use for kitchen utensils, hair brushes + accessories, or scrapbooking/ art utensils (courtesy of Weeping Cherries) That's all I have for now ~ Enjoy your weekends & remember that Spring officially starts on Saturday :) ~B