Sweet Treats

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I don't know about you but I love to make treats for my friends and family. I browsed through Pinterest and found some really  yummy snacks that I can't wait to try out!

 

Happy Baking!

 

 

Quote of the Day

I've had a stressful couple of weeks and I think the angels in heaven knew I needed a break. Every night before I go to bed I peruse through my phone until I get really sleepy. So tonight, the first thing that popped up was this quote. I think it was a sign to change some things.

All the water in the world can't sink a ship unless it gets inside.

It really got me thinking about a lot and I wanted to share it with you guys. The negativity of the world can't put you down unless you let it inside of you. There are mean people in this world and they will throw rocks at you every chance they get. But you can't let it get you down. I've been reading a book called The Happiness Project and before I get off on a tangent about how AMAZING it is, I'll just say this - your happiness depends on you. Not someone else. No one can't take your happiness away from you unless you let them. Positive people are the happiest people. Sometimes it's impossible to be optimistic about something but knowing that it's not the end of the world is comforting. My favorite quote so far that I've come across in the book is this: "Don't let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out!" I thought this was so true to my situation. Sometimes you just have to let go and let God control the outcome. You have to quit letting a bad day ruin the rest of your week. Every day might not be good but there is good in every day; you just have to find it.

So whenever you're feeling blue, remember that quote. I've already taped it to my fridge. It's so powerful and refreshing. I hope you all have a great weekend!

10 Timeless Patterns - No. 3

Number 3 | Dazzling Damask

 

You can't miss this beautiful bold pattern anytime you see it in a space. I personally love this print and have used it many times. Damask has a floral motif that is raised on a neutral background. It's meant to be very ornate and eleborate. The thing about true damask fabric is that the pattern is visable on both sides. Ideally, there are two colors in a piece of damask and the majority of the time they are visial. Sometimes, you'll see damask that is barely visable, like in the second picture of the black bedroom. My favorite application of damask is on the wall. It's a pattern that isn't too busy and it works well with other patterns like stripes. Damask can be used in all applications: walls, flooring, upholstry, window treatments, and decor pieces.

 

 

My high school bedroom:

 

 

This entire bedding set is for sell if you are interested. Email me for questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Timeless Patterns - No. 2

Number 2 | Handsome Herringbone
 

Don't let this print confuse you with Chevron or Zig-Zag. The difference is the way the lines come together. Herringbone lines do not meet and are slightly off in connection. Here's a close up view.

You can see the black touches the white; that's the difference.

Most people associate herringbone with men's clothing, and while it is wildly attractive, it looks just as good in interiors. It's a classic print that's been around for centuries.

I through in this shirt because I found it on Pinterest and am in love with it! It takes the heavy, masculine feel and adds a soft cashmire and sequin Peter Pan collar. Proven fact that it can look just as good in a girly space too!

Herringbone has made it's mark in the fashion industry; I'm ready to see it more in interiors. I think the custom black or brown herringbone is so traditionally goregous, but seeing the yellow and other fun colors is really exciting. Herringbone hardwood floors are absolutely amazing and the tile insert in the fireplace is such a clever idea. Add a little herringbone into your life!

Still to come - damask and houndstooth. Check back soon!

10 Timeless Patterns - No. 1

When I was taking materials and finishes, one of the big projects we were required to do was a materials and finishes book. There were 100+ fabrics that we defined and explained. We listed proper applications for each piece and where it would most appropriately look. There are ten patterns/textures that I believe will never go out of style.

 

Number 1 | Eye-catching Ikat

 

Pronounced: e-cot

Definition: Fabric made using an Indonesian decorative technique in which warp or weft threads, or both, are tie-dyed before weaving.

Appropriate interior use: wallcovering, upholstery, or rug

 

 

Pick up any Interior Design magazine and you'll find this print in almost every one. Definitely a favorite of mine, these vibrant colors add an extra flare to any space, whether as a decorative pillow or an elaborate wallcovering. This pattern dates back to the 7th-century and is still around today. I don't picture Ikat going away for a long, long time.

 

Stay tuned for Damask!

 

 

HGTV Dream Home

Have you entered for a chance to win yet?

 

 

I would be packing my bags in a heartbeat to move to this beautiful home in Charleston, South Carolina. I wouldn't even think twice! The colors, textures, styles, decor - everything about it.

 

Plus you get a brand new SUV and an extra $500,000. Bring it on!

 

You have to take the virtual tour. It's unbelievable.

 

You can sign up twice a day every day until Feb. 15! What's stopping you?

 

If you win, though, I better be invited to come stay! ;)

 

 

Geese, Firetrucks, and Rap Music

What do they all have in common? They keep me up at night.

Two downsides of living off of a very busy highway (280, for those who are familiar): geese and firetrucks.

I live near quite a few bodies of water and at least twice a day I hear geese honking as they fly over my apartment. It's one of the things I had forgotten about since I moved out of my parent's house. There, I was used to seeing/hearing/feeding them every day. My parents lived by a small lake and they were always in my front yard. Our geese were super domestic so it was fun to mess around with them. But they need to fly during the day when I'm not asleep!

Sirens are the worst, though. A firetruck or ambulance races past my apartment more than four or five times a night. The station is literally five seconds down the street. It's a good and bad thing. Good if I ever need them, annoying when I don't. Hopefully, my ears will get used to them and I won't keep waking up at night. There's a hospital that is relocating out here on 280 and the new building is basically right out my back door. So I better get use to it!

As far as the rap music goes: the people/person that live down and over one from me like to bump their music early in the morning. I'm still wondering whether they like to twerk in the mornings or if they are working out or something. It's still unclear. I'm debating on taking cookies down there and begging that they wait until 10ish in the morning before they start their jam session. We'll see...

So far, I'm loving my new apartment...granted, I haven't paid bills yet. I'm nervous to see them when they come in. I already dread getting the electric bill. The weather here is hot one day and cold the next. I wish I could just keep the temperature on normal for a couple of days!

I hope you have had a successful and fulfilling week. May your weekend be just as great!

See you next week!