Emily Henderson: My New Obsession

I am surprised I have not seen much in blog land about Emily Henderson's very first show on HGTV: Secrets of a Sylist (maybe I am looking in the wrong places).

This show came on Sunday night after I returned home from my lake weekend and I had to hold my eyes open to watch it. I was so tired but I was determined to stay awake and boy and I glad I did. Seriously. This girl is amazing. I LOVE her style and kinda want to be her. She is one of the first designers that I have really connected with. Her rooms look comfortable, lived in and homey. Not to much trend, not to much fluff. Just right.




These pics are from the house she styled for her friend Ian Brennan-one of the creators of GLEE (my all time favorite show in the world). I love the way her rooms look like they evolved over time. Nothing bothers me more than walking into home and realizing that someone when to Pottery Barn, Ikea or Ballard Designs and bought the first room display that they saw (chatskis and all). Don't get me wrong, I love these places but I don't my entire house to look like I ordered it straight from the magazine...






I pulled these photo's from Emily's portfolio on the HGTV website and literally jumped with joy and squealed while posting them on here. That is how much I love her work. I feel like it LOOKS like me and what I like. Check out her blog The Brass Petal-my home girl is also very funny!



I love you Emily-can we be friends?

Tuesday-not as fun as Thursday

Beautiful Photography by lindsayhusk on Etsy

Good morning lovelies!

I was in recovery mode yesterday from my fun filled trip to the Smith Lake in Arley, AL with my college besties, so I am sorry for not posting. I hope everyone had as much fun this weekend as we did! I will try and weed through my pictures and pull some appropriate ones for yall to see... 2 words: Skinny. Dipping.

I have a jam packed week coming up so postings may be few and far between. Thursday I am off on anther trip-this time to the Gulf Coast for a dear friend's bachelorette weekend/mini vacation. You remember this post about her wedding coming up in October? Well she finally picked out a color scheme and I will try and get up a mood board for Thursday so you guys can see!

Diva Lake Weekend

On the road to a much needed girls trip with my "Divas". I will be back in action on Monday!

Have a lovely weekend! Yes, I need a pedicure.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Alabama Art Kitchen

My sister told me about this AMAZING new initiative going on here in Tuscaloosa. It is called the Alabama Art Kitchen. Here is a little bit of info about it that I snagged off their Facebook page:

"The mission of the Alabama Art Kitchen is to provide studio space and equipment to local artists as well as exhibitions, classes and workshops for the community at large. We are committed to passing on our creativity, volunteerism and experience in art and strive to increase interest and involvement with the local Tuscaloosa arts culture. We believe that making and sharing art is a great way to connect people and to support and inspire community."

You can also check out their blog here.

They are turning this historical home in Downtown Tuscaloosa into a studio space for 4-6 artists and will also have room to offer workshops, a gallery space as well as a library. I am SOOOOO pumped about becoming a member of this group and look forward to seeing the art culture in Tuscaloosa grow.

For more info you can email them at alabamaartkitchen@gmail.com.

Cardinals For My Mother: Etsy Treasury

Every time I see a cardinal I think of my Mom. She loved red birds so much and we would always get so excited when she would point one out in the yard. I have seen one almost everyday since she has been gone and it really gives me comfort to say "Hey Mom!" when one flies by.

This is my first attempt at an Etsy Treasury so I only thought it would be fitting to make one based on something so special to me.

I am pretty sure I am addicted to making these now so hopefully you won't get tired of seeing more of them on here... :)

Why don't you try your hand at making a Treasury? I would love to see what you come up with!

Playing Grown Up: New Shop Items!!!

Brooke over at Playing Grown Up has added some awesome new stuff to her shop. I love how practicality can be so stinkin' cute! Here are just a few of my favorites...

You should check out her blog too. She is fabulous.

Happy Friday. Babies are everywhere.

These little guys are called Milk Babies. I think they are candies in the shape of babies-odd looking babies. Found here.

Au revoir my dears. I am out for a fun filled weekend that hopefully this time I will document with my camera/sister's camera so that I can post and share with yall!!!

My weekend is filled with a Bunko Baby Shower, Engagement Party, Baby Meet and Greet, plus helping my sister out with a Baby Photo Shoot. Something is in the water down here with all these babies.

*Note to self: do not drink the water.

I hope you all have a marvelous weekend!

*I mean - I love babies and all that and totally want one but I think I will wait a few (long) years before I incorporate a child into the mix.

Selling the Handmade Way with Bonnie from Going Home to Roost

I always envy the creative types who seem to have it all put together (this is no easy feat if you happen to think with the right side of the brain). Bonnie of Going Home to Roost is one of those ladies. She is a modern day renaissance woman who is "seeking the next creative endeavor, inspiring artists and beautiful material”. See, she sounds so eloquent where I would sound something like this: (insert redneck accent) “Uh-I like to make stuff. I like nice pretty things”.

Bonnie

I have been following her blog for a while now and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her INDIE BIZ SERIES. It is so refreshing to get tips, tricks and advice from someone who in the same boat that I am-that boat being taking my creative ideas, hobbies, business and what-not to the next level. Needless to say, I was THRILLED to see that she is offering an e-course in the fall on “Selling the Handmade Way-Growing Your Business in the Handmade Market”. This 7 week course covers everything from finding your niche, how to get great photos, pricing and packaging to networking and SEO.

Image from here

I read her free e-book, “The Best of the Shop Help Series”, last night and it had some really great pointers and advice for those of you just starting out selling on Etsy or for those who are looking for a way to amp up your shop/business. You can download it here. I HIGHLY recommend it.

It also happened to be Bonnie’s birthday today so HAPPY BIRTHDAY BONNIE! You should totally check out her blog and her THREE Etsy shops: Home to Roost, Kitchen Roost, and Old Renewed. I swear-she can do it all.

I am telling you, if I ever meet her in person I am going to bring her home with me because I think we would be besties and she has pretty hair.

Dots

First spotted here, originally from here.

Mom, I am pretty sure you are riding this bike right now... I may have to get one so we can ride together.

What is your creative style?

Print from BeautyOnTheFire $15.00

Creativity enriches me. Yes, I would say that is pretty spot on. I took this little quiz and here is what it said about me:

Creativity is separate from the real world for you. But it’s a magical world in which you like to immerse yourself. When you’re involved in it, you get the wonderful sensation that there are no limits, that anything is possible. What you are really looking for is harmony — you want to feel you are a part of what you create. Planting flowers, writing poetry, embroidery or putting together a photo album, these are all suited to your sort of quiet creativity. You want to fall in love with what you create. You also think of creativity as a part of you in which you can take refuge and feel protected. As the psychoanalyst D Anzieu explained, creativity acts as an ‘encouraging parent — loving, enriching and supportive’. You would love to use your creativity to retreat into a world that is kind and reassuring. For you, being creative means having the chance to become one with what you create, bathe in the glory of it and allow yourself to be taken over by it. This is why you seem more suited to the sort of creativity that calls for gentleness, subtlety, harmony and patience.

What will it say about you?

Design A Room: Under $100-Target Clearance

For those of us looking to spruce up around the house but don't want to fork over big bucks for a home make-over Target Home Clearance it the way to go! Seriously-look at all the fabulous loot that you can get for UNDER $100!!!

In fact all these pieces together reminds me of the fabulous Bryn Alexandra and something she would design for a client!

Yes, 2 posts on Target in one day... I may have a problem.

Top Row:
1. DwellStudio for Target: Formal Garden Comforter Set $27.98
2. Tiered End Table-White $34.98
3. Marcello Medallion Sheer - Moon/Chocolate $14.98

Middle Row:
4. Liliana Wood Round Mirror - 23.5" $43.74
5. Paint by Number Gerbera Daisy Wallpaper $21.24
6. Mahesh Lantern - Small $20.98

Bottom Row:
7. Latham Desk - Rich Mahogany $94.48
8. Thomas O'Brien Fretwork Rug - Barley/ Brown $53.99
9. Home Ikat Comforter Set - Taupe $27.98

John Derian for Target

Photo via Casa Sugar

I literally squealed out loud when I was browsing Apartment Therapy and saw that John Derian was collaborating with Target for the THIRD time!!! He is one of my all time favorite designer/artists. I love how he uses old botanical prints and vintage ephemera to create something modern for the home...

This collection will have over 100 pieces ranging from journals to fabric storage bins and tableware has a price point of around $25.00 which means us regular folks who love his work can actually afford some of it!!! Collection debuts September 5th and will be in stores for a limited time so you better believe I will not miss out on this!

Check out Casa Sugar for more images of the collection.

Going to the Chapel...

No, not me! I am no where close to that.

Here is a piece that I whipped up for a pledge sister of mine who IS going to the chapel this weekend! She contacted me and asked me to make her a necklace to wear on her wedding day and of course I was honored that she thought so highly of my work. I found the perfect vintage earring to match the picture of her dress that she sent me and went to town. She wanted something delicate with a little bit of sparkle.

I can't wait for her to send me pictures of the big day!

Jealous

My sister is at the beach right now. I am sitting at my desk at work. I am jealous. Are you?

Button, Button. Who's got the button...

Living in a college town-especially 2 blocks away from campus-you can't help but become caught up in the daily activities that go on. R

Right now the University of Alabama is in the middle of Sorority Rush and I have been making buttons for all of the sororities. 1,000 "Parent" and "Loves the Tide" buttons to be exact. Not to mention the 100 Magnets I have done for 2 High School reunions... Next week and I will receive my order of "Gameday" buttons so I will be neck high in mylar, metal backs and pins...

Now I leave you with a glimpse of some fabulous buttons/magnets that are available on Etsy. The Color Wheel one is TO DIE FOR.

In order from top left:
1. Set of 3 Alice in Wonderland MAGNETS
2. Color Wheel 2.25 Inch Pin Back Button
3. Mustache Pinback Button
4. Vintage Typewriter Collage Pin

Monday MIA

Hello friends. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I spend mine helping my sister with a mini-kitchen make-over that we did for about 100 bucks! It looks phenomenal and we are working on getting some before and after pics together. Also, I have been in button making mode for the sororities on campus-more about this later...

I am going to try and get some much needed organizing done today (my mind is all over the place hence my absence from blog land last week) and maybe pick up this book. My sister thinks I am make-up challenged sometimes (I will admit that I am) so I think this will help me out. Skin like Kim Kardashian would help too but that is not going to happen so I will stick to faking flawless skin for now.

P.S. Anyone see Design Star last night? I was very dissapointed and have been all season. I am so not impressed with the current contestants... What are you thoughts?

Spottie Dottie=Sunday Fun

My very talented sister snapped these shots of my beloved Spottie Dottie this weekend. She has been with me through thick and thin for the past 20 years. She is awesome and doesn't hog the bed or steal the sheets.

Hi, my name is Katie. I am 26 years old and still sleep with a stuffed animal.

Is there part of your childhood that still shares the bed with you?

Miracle in a bottle...Na-PCA

I have found it. The "Miracle in a bottle".

This is the end all-be all of beautiful skin. As someone who has suffered from CHRONIC eczema all my life I have literally tried everything under the sun to help my skin. A friend introduced me to this Friday night and by Sunday morning, my eczema that covers my hands, legs and elbows was completely gone! Vanished! In its place was the skin I have only dreamed about.

Yes, I did order the 6-pack here.

Na-PCA is "The Natural Moisturizing Factor In Human Skin Twinlab Na-PCA is a Ph-balanced, concentrated solution of the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, the natural moisturizing factor found in human skin. Na-PCA is synthesized from glutamic acid, a nonessential amino acid. The skin contains natural moisturizers, the most important being Na-PCA."

Seriously. I use it all over my body right when I get out of the shower. In 2 DAYS my eczema has cleared up, skin is softer and I swear my pores are shrinking. This really is the miracle in a bottle.

You can read more about it here.