Furniture Updates

Hey Y'all! 

Sunday is here & I finally got started on some of my furniture projects! There was a really nice breeze out {impending clouds with rain} and I grabbed the chair & sanding block and got to it! An hour later, the varnish was off & her edges were smoothed over.



Here are the plans for the soon-to-be entertainment center ... going to require some power tool usage - thankfully I have my step-dad around to help with instructing me! I really can't wait to pick out hardware for her - I'll have to wait til she's all done to see what "goes" with it! The two drawers on the top {either side} will hold board games, Yahtzee, Farkle {have you discovered this game??? Holy Moly Fun!}, Wii remotes, etc.
I know the baskets will just hit me when I see them - but we're going to need 8 of them, so unfortunately I think the PBarn baskets I love, are outta the question!! These can hold magazines, books, remotes, etc.

 Now here is the inside of the cabinet in the center, she holds 3 drawers, 1 of which we're taking out & adding a flat shelf for the DVD player and cable box. Then we're going to have to drill a hole for wires in the back ... to keep it from overheating!
The drawers have some hideous paper lining in them which I want to remove and maybe replace with a Mod Podge covered fabric {something fun & funky!} or maybe some old book pages covered over with Mod Podge.

Going to be saving for a medium {girl-sized} flat screen TV to be on top here, with some accessories / vases / photo frames on either side of it to personalize it! And we're going grey with her! I have a coupon to any Benjamin Moore retailer for 2 free pint size jars of any paint ~ so might be able to score some of {or all} the paint for free! whoo-hoo!





And last but not least, I had to show y'all this little plastic {yes, great faux look} frame, she was an ugly gold color and I took at her with Krylon Heirloom White. Not sure what I'll do with it, but one day I'll figure it out!

xo

B

Summer Lovin'

Happy Saturday Y'all !

I've been a faithful little blogger lately and I really have the itch to keep it up! So in honor of the weekend, 

I thought I would do a fun little free-thinking post about a secret ... I'm a fan of making lists. There. I said it. 

I love making lists. 

So much so, that I need these pretty little Etsy babies ...

SimpleSongDesigns @ Etsy

...Actually, I have a lot of love for paper products in general...

I've always wanted some vintage First Class Mail type of papery ...

Paper Source

and don't even try to pull me out of any sort of gift & paper shops...

Paper Delights, Seattle

...and, my personal favorite in the Virginia Highlands of Atlanta

Dabberdoo, Virginia Highlands

and every Southern girl needs her personalized stationary...

 {my favorite notes are from Southern Pines Paper Co. in North Carolina}

Boatman Geller Stationary ~ A Classic Must

  ...and just because I'm out of school, doesn't mean I don't need cute notebooks...

You can always find one in my bag ...

 

 

Lilly Pulitzer Stationary

So, I admitted my love for paper products. And I always attempt to shop local when it comes to purchasing items like these! So now, time to list my Top 25 Loves of Summer ... I'll mark the list in my cutest nearby notebook too ... 

1. Mason Jars of Fresh Lemonade
2. Homemade Ice Cream
3. Hammocks
4. Late sunsets
5. Warm ocean breezes 
6. Salt-&-Sea skin
7. Lightning Bugs
8. Loads of Books to Read
9. Ice Cream Any Time of Day
10. Walks on the Beach
11. White Linen Pants
12. Big Floppy Hats
13. Vacations & Road Trips
14. Baseball Games
15. Fireworks
16. Summer Movies {always the best}
17. Strawberry Milkshakes
18. Yard Sales
19. Big, Dark, Ominous Thunderclouds
20. Tree Swings
21. Dark Red Juicy Sweet Watermelon
22. Yard Games
23. Tubing at the Springs
24. Bike Rides at Sunset
25. Half-Yearly Sales at my favorite stores 

Hope y'all enjoy the rest of your weekend! Be with the ones you love.

xo

b

Keep Calm & Decorate

~ Calm, Cool, Collected & a Twist of Modern ~

A few posts ago - I put up an inspiration board of my "dream house"! It was blues, creams, tans, and of course, some pop of color. After much deliberation, I have finally found 4 fabrics that I want to use in the living room. I'm thinking that the "Ash Mist" of the soon-to-be-revamped entertainment center / dresser, will be a nice soft color / neutral and I can still paint an occasional cane armchair in a blue ... with a plain bleached canvas seat and the orange {below} fabric in a toss pillow on top of it.
When the time comes, I'll have to order all of these fabrics online ~ which isn't actually too bad considering you get free shipping and all! So, the damask bird fabric will be 2 large couch pillows. And the blue chevron stripe will be 2 medium couch pillows. The orange "angel wings" fabric will be the toss pillow in the side chair. I can hardly wait to get it all together, while I'm in transition ~ but it sure is fun to decorate in my head :) Right?? 

And all that pretty inspiration came from the upper left corner picture - just some ribbon, beads, wrapping and pretties - well, hope y'all have a beautiful weekend!

xo
B

Fabricating Dreams

Hey Ya'll ~

Currently obsessing over my future-new-bedroom! Going with the serene and more modern {yet, still cozy} look - I love this faux bamboo nightstand {these things are all over Craigslist & used furniture stores} paint her up & voila! Instantly more modern. Next up, my love for all things West Elm - the Moroccan headboard {something to strive for} and a slate grey ruffled quilt / sham combo. I'm not so much loving the entire ensemble, but more the quilt, folded at the end of the bed over top a white duvet. Yes? Yes!
Someday I will find a wingback chair for $cheap$ and reupholster it. Kinda like this one from Layla Grace. I mean, I'm not shelling out $1700 for a chair. Ever. All the lighting is from W.E. also, love the pendant grouping of light bulbs. So very industrial but still kinda that cozy home look!

Without further ado - here you go! My future bedroom {one day. somewhere!}

Created by Me at B H L D N

By the way ~ I'm starting to sand that dresser this weekend - ya know - the one I dreamed about?? Yes, and I'm sure she's going the way of "Ash Mist" by Olympic paints. I'll try my best to document the step-by-step process, as I've yet to do that for y'all!

xo
B

Red, White & Fabulous!

Hey Y'all!

It's late but I wanted to catch you up on our fabulous Memorial Day weekend that we had a while back ... I know I'm a bit behind on this - but what can I say, things have been a bit hectic!? And that's an understatement! Below is an inspiration board from our family's Memorial Day party ~

Created By Me at B H L D N

 ... menu included:

• Chicken Bleu Cheese Burgers
• Deviled Eggs
• Coleslaw
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Southern Style Potato Salad
• Broccoli Salad
• G'ma W's from-scratch Cherry Pie
• Sweet Tea
• Hummingbird Cupcakes + Cream Cheese Frost

It was all quite delish and I really enjoyed all the family that was in town!
Off to bed now ~

xo
B

A Classic Combination

Hey Y'all!

Ya ever just get the itch to decorate??
While being in transition and not having a place of my own to decorate right now, it's been tough on my creativity! So I decided to sit a while and really search for what I loved in elements of decorating for my future home. I know that I want a more minimalistic feel, without being stuffy or overly modern. I do love me some quality upholstered pieces, fabulous drapery, and the like, but I want to create a clean, crisp and cozy feeling all at once. And my go-to color combination has been blue+white. Literally, for 14 years!

When I was in the sixth grade, I was given the opportunity to re-do my room. Mom was excited and I sure was too! I picked out light blue and white gingham check wallpaper, with a yellow, white and blue flowered border {looking back, I had a pretty good eye, even for being young!} It was the beginnings of my love for all things home-decor! {that, and the hundreds of antique stores I was dragged around in, now I can't stay away!}

So, when I picture my dream house {well, one version....there's quite a few bouncing around in my head}
it's somewhat like the inspiration board I've created below. I love the softness of the upholstered couch, the presence of the drapes, the custom headboard for a guest room, the more modern headboard in the master bedroom, antique pieces scattered here & there, the vignettes set up on the shelves and in cabinets make a statement without being cluttered, and the color flow throughout the "house". Maybe one day, in my next home, or my more permanent home, this will be my starting point :)

 

 

 

Created By Me @ B H L D N

Sweet Dreams of Decorating!

xo
b

When The "To Do" List Ends

Hey Y'all -

I have been thinking a lot lately about ambitions, goals, beliefs, dreams, and I suppose just life in general. Dangerously deep for me... but just to skim the cream from the top ... y'all know life does keep going without a "to do" list. Or a "wish list" or an "accomplish by..." list.

A hard lesson to learn for my Type-A personality. So this is my "ambition-wish-to-do list" .... and more importantly, what do you do when the "List" gets cut short...{And I don't mean death. So put away that extra frozen Crunchy Beef Casserole and the black pill box hat}

But really, life happens. And I thank God it does! Many times I would rather gripe {or pout, or resist, or be overly dramatic, or sad, or wistful} about a change, but change opens the door to possibility, to new friends, new loves, new growth and new adventures.

So when situations change, people change, you move, they move, jobs are gained, jobs are lost, loves are found, loves are lost, when it comes to the end of the day, where does your "List" stand? 

At the end of the day

I want to stand with my beliefs and dreams, 

hold them tightly to me 

for they are part of who I am, 

and carry on.

Fall - Forward

Hey Y'all -
Monday is done with & thank goodness. Mine was a whirlwind. Literally. Up to my old city home for some closure business and a few antique stores, then back to my little town home {for now}. Glad it's all done with and despite tons of heavy storms, all went smoothly!

Now, I'm all against this hot weather we're having right now, so it's not hard to daydream about fall weather. It's crisp breezes, changing leaves, college football {Lord knows we can't count on anything professional these days}, tailgates, and new fashion trends!
I honestly cannot look at a coat these days or imagine eating anything warmed up more than 250 degrees without startin' to get some sweat beads, but I have found that retailers are pushing fall on us extra early so perhaps it will find its' way to us sooner than we expect... {hey, a girl can dream!}

Now since my stint being educated in "reasonable trends" & selling {higher} fashion at Nordstrom, I feel it's my duty to at least showcase some fall trends for 2011. Sure, many of you might not consider yourselves "fashion forward" and I, by no means, am a "fashionista" chasing the latest + greatest, but you need to know what to avoid and what to gravitate towards this fall, of course, within your personal style level. Challenge yourself to purchase at least 1 trending piece this fall - and my recommendations are a great structured bag or a fabulous pair of flats in python print!

 {Photos Courtesy of: www.nordstrom.com, www.purseblog.com & imshopping.com}

Article No.1: Dramatic Heels for Occasions - More Loafer-Style Day to Day

{if going with a dramatic heel, python + studded varieties are plenty for fall}

Yes, Kate Spade Loafer Kitten Heel

Yes, Tory Burch Reva Monarch Python flat

Article No.2:  Cooler Weather Coming

Burberry Brit Metallic Anorak

Rachel Zoe Collar Cape

Capes & Ponchos Make a Cooler Comeback! Don't run from the word "poncho" - it has a new meaning; utilitarian, wear everywhere jacket!  And capes are always a romantic, more feminine option. Follow examples below:










                                                    Article No.3: 1970's Throw-back

We're talking wide-leg pants and exaggerated shoulders! 

Rachel Zoe Wide Leg Trouser

Elizabeth&James Tie Neck Blouse

 Article No.4: Stop slouching! 

Bags Are Going Less Hobo - And More Structure.

Yes to: Tory Burch McLane Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No No Hobo

Come Sit a Spell

Hey Y'all!
Hope the weekend has been kind to you ~ I'm sweltering among the July heat + humidity here, but so is everyone else these days!

Thankfully I've had air conditioned entertainment while reading a few great books - so far, I've Laughed Out Loud at improv-comedian Tina Fey in her book "BossyPants" {which I might add, I finished in 24 hours}, as well as some good ol' Southern humor with "Suck Your Stomach In & Put on Some Color: What Southern Mama's Tell Their Daughters, that the rest of y'all should know" {Shellie Rushing Tomlinson} Sure, these books are "chik lit" & completely non-informative, but they make me laugh, and that's a good thing these days! I'm also getting in deeper to "Traveling with Pomegranates" { Sue Monk Kidd - favorite Southern author} which is an inspiring story of a mother & daughter traveling together more as friends and less as parent/child. It was on my "Big List" of things to do & read for the remainder of 2011. I've added pictures of the book covers, because if you're a visual person like me, you'll go into a bookstore looking for it by color, and less by author ;)



Now, back to sitting a spell - we're talking chairs today!

I know last time I shared my "rescue mission" dresser & what a little mess she is! Today I wanted to throw a few ideas out there for a couple of sweet chairs that I have collected in the past few years. The first one, is a native North Carolina chair, made from Henredon and was a steal at $15!! The man in the antique shop said "eh she needs work" and I said "well, want to sell it to me? I'll do the work" so - I got her for cheap when he was hoping to fix & sell for $65. Score #1!
    
 Next up is a little un-marked chair, cane seat and nice carving detail on the back. I haven't a clue where she came from originally, just that I bought her at Patty & Friends in St. Petersburg a few years ago. She complimented a sweet desk from the late 1800s {that I recently had to part with}. So, the "vision" here for these chairs, is to make a statement in a room.

I'm thinking for the Henredon cane back armchair, I want a colored neutral {shh yes there's such a thing!} like a misty grey blue, or a beautiful milk colored cream. {Annie Sloan is the dream paint ... Momma & I are working on locating some around here!} If A.S. is the paint I go with, I'll probably choose Old Ochre, it tends to have grey undertones but comes out a creamy white. Or, if I change my mind and go with a grey-blue, Annie Sloan of course, it will be Paris Grey. >Sidenote< I really like the look of leaving the cane its natural color, which I will probably be do on both chairs.


Now Fairy Chair-mother: If I could snap my fingers & have a new arm chair with the cane back, it would be this little doll:

http://decordpad.com

Of course, what doesn't look sweet when it's in pink, white creamy paint, with a cute antique silver pitcher of peonies next to it?? 

http://decorpad.com

Also, really loving the geometric fabric used on this handsome chair. It's more minimalist than what I've liked in the past but I'm feeling more "vintage minimalist" these days!








 Either way, fabric choices right now are super limited. I'm confused as to which colors I want to use, and if I can't find 4-5 coordinating fabrics all at once, then I'm just not comfortable being "stuck" with 1 fabric & having to mis-match and piece the others together! Anyone ever ordered fabric online? I've found 1 website that I may have to order from, we'll see! Let me know if you have any luck with online fabric ordering!

Well, that's about all I have for now. A bit shuffled and random today, but it's Sunday afternoon & raining, and well, I just should probably take a nap!

xo
b

Rainy Weather Treasures

Hey Ya'll! 

I haven't blogged in too long, but finally, I have something worthy of sharing.
This past week was full of "house chores" that didn't need to be done asap, but just the mundane junk you just don't like to do. {dust all the wood furniture, wash the baseboards, hand-mop the marble floors, etc.} So I was all aboard the productivity train, and while I was at it, made a haul down to Goodwill of some remnants from my move recently. Whatever had not sold at the last yard sale, was a gone'r. I was tired of looking at it and I'm not about to sit outside and scorch for 3 hours on a Saturday again. I was happy with the $97 I made the first round!
So, packed up the car and front seat and took it all to my neighborhood Goodwill.
On my way out of the back building / parking lot, I drove past a dresser that was left for ruin, by a dumpster. But not actually close enough to it, to warrant the trashmen to "take me!"
Well, the treasure hunter in me pulls the car to a stop, I hop out and go to examine the front of this little gem.
Boy was she cute, a man's chest, all drawers, and about 6 feet long. Cute square legs, seeemingly in good condition. And solid, HEAVY wood!
Well, my little Accord just couldn't accommodate her, so I figured better left there.
But then, I dreamed about her.
Seriously y'all.
Some people dream about their Prince Charming coming to rescue them one day.
Not me. I dream about decorating gorgeous homes of mine, and refinishing furniture and designing parties. Honest to goodness! Sometimes you just can't turn off the creative switch. Call me crazy.

Benjamin Moore Favorite Neutrals

So, I dreamt about this dresser. All alone in the parking lot, and I saw potential in her. In my future home, in a misty color, like a blue-grey or a very pale misty green.
Well, I do have a truck sitting in my drive. But I couldn't get her in the bed of my truck without some help.

So, Momma Bear and Larry come home tonight from Chattanooga, and I tell mom about my "treasure".
She, a junker and antique fanatic like me {hey- it's hereditary!} said "Grab the truck keys and let's go see".
It had rained all day and that was 2 nights ago, surely it would be gone.
But, I shrieked when we pulled in to the parking lot and she was still there. Poor, alone, and now soaking wet. Thankfully her paint was oil-based and so the wood hadn't rippled or become soggy.

Drawers Removed & Shelf To Come Out For Baskets

Sweet Legs!

Middle Door Hides 3  Drawers

Mom and I loaded her into the bed of the truck and brought her home. Thankfully, my previous Goodwill run had cleared out a spot just her size, in the garage. Ta-daaa! Larry wasn't so thrilled, but she was free. And I will fix her up, give her new life, and if I don't fall in love with her by then, I'll put it on Craigslist and get $80 for it! So, she needs a bit of a face lift, I want to remove 2 of the drawers and make room for baskets ... actually 4 of the drawers, and put baskets in on each side {symmetry, please}. Then I am going to find some cute glass knobs for her drawer pulls. The center "cabinet door" hides 3 drawers inside. I'm envisioning it as more of an entertainment center with a TV on top and dvd's in the baskets, then the drawers for the Wii and board games and such. Or maybe she'll find a home in my future dining room. Would make a cute buffet. But then we'd have to see if it could hold all of my china and miscellaneous glass pieces. Hmm.. either way, I know it would be fun to fix it up and sell it, but I'm not sure I'll be able to part after all the quality time we'll have spent makin' her perdy!

So, the photos here are of my new lovely treasure. Bear with us, she'll get a face lift soon!

Enjoy your weekend and live beautifully! 

xo 

 b