Stripes

In addition to the color orange, I am seeing lots of stripes! Though mostly found on the walls, I saw this kitchen redo and fell absolutely in love with this soft hue used on the floor:

What do you think??

Books, Not Just for Reading

It's amazing how books are being used as decor. Even if they are on a bookshelf, they should still be lovely! See what I mean?

My News Years Resolution was to read more. So far I have read several books that I have really enjoyed! Any good suggestions? Send them my way!

Ceiling Flare

Take a look at this fun chandelier! I am amazed at the creativity and helpful information I find on blogs. Ian and I are toying with the idea of a chandelier in our new bedroom (well I am convinced but he is toying with it-ha!). We have looked at a few options but THIS ONEtakes the cake! Look how easy it is to transform an icky brass chandelier into something so unique and beautiful. And what a price! Now that's my kind of find! Ok thrift stores, I am keeping my eyes open... :)

Second, let me just say something about brass in general...if you have it in your home, it needs to go! Click here to read more and be inspired :) Happy Monday!!

Orange You Just in Love with this Color?

Ok, cheesy title I know but I love this color and how it was used in these spaces. I am always nervous to use orange since I am afraid our home will turn out looking like we are too good of Longhorn fans, but this is just beautiful.

My my my, where can I incorporate this into our home?? Hmmmmm....

Home Again

I was in California this week for work scouting for some events I have there in late May. I discovered an adorable little spot that I can't wait to return to with the Mr one of these days for some R&R and wine tasting: check out the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa!

Actor Fess Parker purchased the 714 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara Country in 1989, originally with the intention of planting a small vineyard. As his daughter Ashley explains, “Fess is from Texas, so he can’t do anything small,” so the small vineyard grew to a full functioning winery and followed with the addition of the inn and spa.

Mrs. Parker personally designed each of the guest rooms at the inn with “wine country elegance,” though the Inn is currently under a renovation to update it's charm (yay!). Amenities include guest parking, breakfast for two, a wine tasting for two at BIN 2860 International Wine Shop, a tasting at the Fess Parker Winery & Epiphany Cellars and turndown service.

The Champagne Spa offers a tranquil poolside setting and a list of wonderfully relaxing treatments from massage to skincare. A new addition, Petros Restaurant, has earned many accolades at its Southern California location, and now opens doors inside the Inn. Featuring the California-Hellenic cuisine, Petros brings you the best of Greece with the freshest Mediterranean ingredients.

They also have this charming wine cellar for a small event or dinner with friends: so cute!!

Their back patio is also just divine!

There is so much to do in this great area of California. Not only is Santa Barbara only 45 mins away but the Dutch town of Solvang is a mere 15minute drive. Here's a photo taken while I was there this week. As you can see, Sunny California was not so sunny :)

In addition, here is a pic from Gibralter. If you are into cycling, you would not want to miss this climb.

I can't tell you what a serene place this was. Hopefully I can get back there soon! Hope you're having a good week!

Wedding Wednesday

As a newlywed, I still love to read and look at pictures at the cute ideas and creative styles of weddings. The fact that many of my friends are still getting married also allows me to experience lots of different traditions and see plenty of different visions brought to life.

Here is one of my favorite weddings of late that Southern Living featured. Take a look at a few of the things the bride did that made this special day even more unique (and could totally be replicated this Spring in your own home or backyard!)

The bride used vintage china for the reception. Too cool! It would also be fun and a cost saving measure to borrow china from relatives (ie mix your grandmother's, mom's and aunts' patterns) to create a mixed array of sentimental place settings.

Truly the coolest party favor: Mason jars tied with ribbon so kids at the reception could catch fireflies. What a truly perfect picture!

Lighting always has a huge effect no matter how simple or where you are!

Now this is a wedding I would have been part of! XOXO!

Killer Credenza of the Week

There is nothing that I love more than credenzas. If only my house had more walls so I could buy more of them. Take a look at a few of my favorites this week that would be so easy to do in your own home:

Notice the grouping of frames? Told you it was hot!