Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Favorite Moments of 2013

We started the year off with a family trip to Turks and Caicos. That is what everyone does, right?
Not even a getting burglarized could stop us from having fun. For real, hope you are enjoying our Ipods and computers. Merry Christmas.
There was a very special wedding

A new job. (More about that in the  new year.)

Another very special wedding.
We average one house project a year. This year we painted our brick. In the new year I am going to try and work on the landscaping. #blackthumb

We traveled to Paris.
And then to Tuscany. While we were there I got a new sister-in-law :)
I have to share the professional wedding pictures. They look like a dream. Check them out here
All in all 2013 was one hell of a year. Blogging took a backseat and living life was the focus. I feel so grateful for the ability to travel so much this year. I feel like after every trip my mind and heart expands a little. I am  grateful for a new job that makes me happy and challenges me. I am grateful for a husband who puts up with gallery walls and floral pillows. I am grateful for genuine friends who have become family. I am grateful for family that is understanding and supportive. I am excited to see what the new year brings.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

When I grow up | Traditional Collected Apartment

I realize this is old news, year old news. Jessika Goranson's upper east side apartment is one of my favorite features of all time. Check out the entire story in the January/February 2013 Lonny. I can relate to her high and low theory. She mixes art from Paris with Target finds. When I grow up I hope my house will have the same collected feel.












Monday, December 16, 2013

29

I celebrated my 29th birthday this weekend.  I like to take advantage of the situation and force all of my friends to hang out with me at the same time. It is pretty much the only time I can guilt trip everyone into coming out. People do not go out as much when you are 29.

My birthday wish list looked a little something like this. I am going to need yall to weigh in.


I LOVE this gift set from Jo Malone every year. It is only available around Christmas time. If you are not familiar with Jo Malone this is the best way to try it out.

Alexa Chung's legs.
Is that too much to ask?


 I need advice. I really wanted a Vitamix, but let's get real. I am not trying to buy a $500 blender. I have heard great things about the Ninja (thanks Rachel). Do any of yall have this? Hoping this will put me on track to have Alexa's legs by the summer.


I am dying for a bicycle. I check Craigslist daily.

Doug and I do not have a lot of modern day conveniences. I am really wanting an espresso machine. I honestly do no even know where to start. There are so many options. Feel free to weigh in.

Domino is now offering subscriptions. The gift that keeps on giving.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Ba Humbug | My Life in Gifs


I am taking a break from the regular scheduled program. Things are not all antelope rugs and rstyle links around here.

This is our Christmas tree 2 hours after I finished putting lights on it.
I decided to do what any normal person would do in my situation. I just put more lights over the dead lights. At this point, we have 3 extension cords running to our Christmas tree. Can you say fire hazard?

Last night this is what I come home to. I quit.


The Christmas tree is the least of our problems. We have not had a refrigerator since middle of October. I shit you not. If you ever take anything away from this blog, please do not buy your appliances at Sears. Evidently, when you buy a warranty it means they can fix it whenever they want. I spend most of my days on the phone acting like a crazy person.


Then to top off all of our good luck, our heat quit working last night. 
  Luckily, I found a pair of upholstered X- benches for cheap and it made everything okay. I am easy to please. 



Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Blue and White Christmas Decor | Weston Farms Magnolia

I would describe my Christmas decor as understated.  I try and incorporate everyday pieces with a few holiday decorations. No red and green for this girl. I try and make one adult purchase a year. This year I got my ginger jar ornaments and this insane garland from Weston Farms
Erin Weston, a UNC grad has a farm in Garner where she grows the prettiest magnolia I have ever seen.  Is there anything more Southern than owning a magnolia farm? Dream job.  If you are lucky enough to live in Raleigh she has set up shop at the Farmer's Market. The prices are much more reasonable than online.
I plan on trying to preserve my garland. I was told that the wreaths and garland dry beautifully. They can last a couple of holiday seasons if you take care of them. 


Monday, December 9, 2013

Ginger Jar Ornaments

It is no secret that I love ginger jars. I have a huge collection and incorporate them in pretty much everything. When I came across these ornaments I had a slight mini stroke, then proceeded to stalk the creator. I finally picked them up on Sunday and they are even better in person.
If you are interested in purchasing ornaments contact the Caroline at cegilber3@gmail.com.
If you want to see what creative thing she is coming up with next you can follow her on Instagram, @cegilb. 


Thursday, December 5, 2013

Builts Ins in the Bedroom

Pretty fabulous if I do say so.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

An easy jacket

This jacket is really good looking and affordable. You should go ahead and buy it. 
If you want to buy me one while you are at it, that's cool too. 

Holiday Wishlist | Open Door Shop

Today I am over at Open Door sharing some of favorite holiday gifts.
Marion and Leslie have a fantastic eye. Everything in their shop is perfectly curated. 
The Charleston duo is making a special trip to Raleigh for a fun holiday trunk show. Check out their blog for more details. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Bits | Holiday Decor & More

I have not shown a lot of the new bits in our house. There is not too much going on worth sharing. 

I did some coffee table zhushing. Whoever said design books are trendy obviously reads the wrong books. I think the key is finding pretty books that you actually read. Some of my favorites include- Domino, The Perfectly Imperfect Home, Katie Ridder Rooms, NYT 36 Hours, French Phrasebook and The Detailed Interior (super special because my friend has some projects featured). 

We have been spoiling Roy after his huge health scare. He is now on liver meds and all is well. I brought home my great grandmother's rug from my Mom's attic. Roy approves.

I am enjoying decorating for Christmas more than normal. Foo dogs can get festive. 

After a long crush I finally got an antelope rug. It is very attractive. 

The flea market has been above average the past couple of weekends. I scooped this pair of original art for $10. Decorating does not have to be expensive, although most of the goods things are.

I picked up some magnolia garland at the Farmer's Market. My Mom recently sent me an article from Southern Living featuring Erin Weston, from Weston Farms. The farm is located in Southern Wake County and the magnolia is a southerners dream. 


Monday, December 2, 2013

Raleigh Peeps | Holiday Trunk Show Wednesday Night

See you there! 
#shoplocal

Cyber Monday for your House



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