Retail Therapy

This is me. Second day in bed. It would be loads of fun if I didn't feel like crap. Kids have been sent away, while I lay in bed wishing I could blog/peruse the internet, but just too weak. OK, a little dramatic. I'm on the upswing and on the positive side, I've lost 3 pounds (depending on which part of the floor you place the scales). In my attempt to make myself feel better, I have been shopping on one of my fave sites, Palm Beach Regency. 

Isn't it divine! I see about 3000 things I want 

This drum Table reminds me of the one from Oly Studio (except that it's $350). 

Of course, I would have to win the lottery to afford to ship all 

of these beauties to my door, anybody up for a road trip (when I'm not contagious of course). 

Bye bye birdie,

~H

credit to Palm Beach Regency

Summer Time's Calling Me (Part 2)

So my client that has the amazing yard, also has a pretty incredible side yard. Ann, this part's for you! She has chickens (not really my thing) and they have their own space! 

 I got close enough to get this shot and while I'm not really a chicken person, they were pretty cute. 

 The have their own little coup on wheels!

And the most beautiful garden to strut around in. It's the perfect addition to a beautiful yard!
Bye bye birdie,
~H

Summer Time's Calling Me...

I have been working on the perfect summer project. My friend and client just finished her outdoor oasis. I was lucky enough to help her with the furnishings and details (while taking an occasional dip in the pool). I wish you could have seen the before. It was an overgrown yard that has been transformed into a little slice of heaven. 

It's the perfect spot for Summer visits or chilly nights by the fire.

Yes, that is a mounted TV -- great for watching the Olympics this weekend (hint) or the Super Bowl in January by the fire.

 When we started this project, she said she wanted something traditional and classic. We added pops of color with pillows and plants and bright touches. One of my favorite local stops, Crabby Chic, supplied many of the sea inspired accessories and the place settings. 

This dining table expands to seat 8 because they love to entertain. 

I keep hinting  telling her to host a party now that it's all set up.

 It really is the perfect summer spot for swimming...

 lounging...

 Wading or relaxing on the pool's sunken sun decks.

 I love an outdoor shower. 

 The grounds are beautiful with an English Garden vibe. Wait until you see what she did with the side yard. It is just too cute. Stay tuned and Happy (hot) summer!
             
                            bye bye birdie,
                                  ~H

Drum Roll Please....

We have a winner! For the last week, we have had and overwhelming number of entries for our Summer Scarf Giveaway courtesy of Margaret Turner Designs. Can you guess which was the favorite pick? I don't know if it was the color scheme or design or both, but here's a hint...

This summer inspired palate of coral and aqua was a big hit with readers, so we wanted to share a little eye candy with these favorite hues. 

Drum Roll Please....

The Sea Urchin won by a landslide! 

And the lucky winner of the 

Sea Urchin Scarf (or pick of the available scarves) is...

KATHY FROM MY INTERIOR LIFE

Congratulations and thanks to all those who participated!

Bye bye birdie,

A&H

Credit to: Houzz, Pinterest Images

Iv'e taken to the bed....

Today was monumental.... My youngest child, Addie, started kindergarten (year round school). And boy was she ready... me? not so much. We (Jeff and I) also started our get healthy diet. So after dropping off Addie, we stopped by Wal-Mart and bought a scale. So today I'm processing my baby starting school and my metabolism ceasing to exist. (Who feels young?) Needless to say, I've taken to the bed for the rest of the day.

See? So ready! She had her book pack on before her clothes!

I will be in bed and redecorating my room in my mind the whole time...

 This room would make me feel better... but might remind me of of the watercolor set I packed in Addie's book pack...

OK... that's it... I am ripping out the carpet upstairs and lacquering pine wood floors. (putting in pine floors first). And Jeff reminded me (when I was sobbing) how much free time I will now have with all the kids in school. So it's a perfect project.

 A fainting couch...that's what I need.

This speaks to my inner bohemian...I know It's a kids room but I do love it.

Seriously... Now I am off to bed!

Do not forget our give away! See here.

Happy Wednesday!

Bye, bye Birdie,

~A

Credit to: pinterest, domino, google images

Been away and a give away....

So last week was our big vacation.... We packed up the car, kids, surfboards and went 12 miles down the road to Wrightsville Beach. Everyone laughs at us but yes we vacation 15 minutes from home. We stay at The Hanover Seaside Club (Founded circa 1890)...

(Don't worry, It's definitely been updated)It's a beach club we joined about 6 years ago. It offers coveted beach parking, a boat dock on the sound, showers, food and 13 rooms on the 3rd floor you can rent. AND is Oceanfront so I can have my coffee on the porch every morning and watch the waves. I can also have my wine on the porch at night and hear the waves. (Bliss!)

We all had a blast!

Our rule is you have to kiss the first fish you catch....

 Ad's was a trooper... she took breaks when she needed them but for the most part was full throttle (shocker)

 Catching crabs and then putting them to sleep is always a fan fave for my kids...

 I love this picture of Jeff and Lindley... Proves my theory they are just alike. (look at their arms!)

After the car was packed and we were ready for the long trip home, Molly had to catch a few more waves for fear I wouldn't bring her back for at least a week... (and I won't- I have to detox from all the family fun.)

I guess it's back to life this week... Can't wait to show you a project Hoop and I just finished. Stay tuned...

and...

Do not forget our cool summer giveaway (See previous post here).

Happy Monday

Bye, bye Birdie,

~A

Summer Give Away!

It's time for a Summer GIVE AWAY! 

My cousin, Margaret, recently started Margaret Turner Designs (here). She is a big shell collector and scours the beaches of Bald Head, Wrightsville and Masonboro to find the perfect shell. She then designs her own fabrics with these local shells and has them hand sewn into beautiful gauzy summer scarves. 

They are the perfect accessory to any outfit or as a wrap on a breezy night. One lucky winner will get one of these beauties (a $55 value!)

Sea Urchin

Navy Scallop

                             Gold Scallop                                           

                             Navy Sanddollar                                        

Navy Scallop

 TO QUALIFY:


One entry: Leave a comment on ANY of our July Blog Posts
Two entries: Leave a comment on this blog telling us which pattern you like best
Three entries: Become a follower (if you already are, invite a friend)


We will draw a winner and post it next Friday (7/27). That gives you one week to start reading! Happy Summer and good luck!


Bye bye birdie,
~H

Graham's Fab Bath

 Graham's new bedroom has it's own bath (lucky girl) and let me tell you, one could not get a makeover without the other. The "old" look had bunny pictures on the walls and pink towels -- just too young for a "grown up" nine year old. With a few minor additions, the bathroom went from drab...

to fab!

The walls are Benajamin Moore "Waterfall" and look like a Tiffany box.

 Drapes and shower curtain are from Target. I can't even sew on a button, so used Stitch Witchery to add a pink band at the bottom and lengthen them. 

 I always have an extra ghost chair that rotates around my house, because they are just SO great! Little "tufted" ottoman is from Homegoods via my laundry room and the shag zig zag was a steal from Overstock. 

 All of her prissy accessories (wonder where she gets that from) are contained in a HG mirrored tray. 

 And finally, $8 knobs from Pier One dress up the cabinets. What do you think? Small budget, big look?
Happy Monday!


Bye bye birdie,
~H