Open shut case?

It's the great shelf debate... I'm actually not supposed to write about my kitchen again until progress is actually made.... (I think cabinet color swatches count!) BUT.... I am in a pickle. I love open shelving especially in a small kitchen like mine. (Very small) However all my nearest and dearest tell me NO because of my bad shoving habit. My name is Ann and I shove EVERYTHING behind closed doors. "Hi Ann"... I'm not the neatest person alive ...fo sho...

In my head my shelves could be this pretty...

I can't imagine not having open shelves in this space...the lights, the ceiling, the bricks... I heart this space...

This is more my reality... simply taking the doors off the cabinets makes for great organized open shelving...

Barn wood, stainless, subway tile, and light gray cabinets... now we are talking... exactly like my kitchen only BIGGER and probably in a way cooler house... I wish I had that much natural light pouring in. I love everything about this space...

But here's the kicker... In real life (unless I had someone coming over for dinner) my shelves would probably look like this...

I do not think I am sleeping with the enemy enough to keep them any other way.

What do you think? Friends be nice...could I do it? Would you? Are open shelves trendy or here to stay...

hmmm...

Bye, bye Birdie,

~A

And then there was one....

You always hear me give my bros shout outs about their incredible talent and company, Soundside Carpentry. After 7 years together my older brother and his wife moved to her family farm in Winston Salem. (they are redoing an old house on the property... that's for another day!)  However, do not fear, Soundside Carpentry is going strong! I told John if he taught me how to use a power tool I would be his new partner. Not sure why he wasn't all over that but anyhoo....

A few weeks ago the very talented Jen from Fotojenik took some pics of recent projects my bros had completed. I thought I'd share....

Yes, please....

The legs on this insane in the membrane table are 100 year old porch columns off of a local beach house...

Maybe I'll ask for one of these for Christmas... I've been very pretty good...

This is what I really want for Christmas... Jeff and Jackson would never shower inside again...

Visit Soundside and Fotojenik... Neither site will disappoint!

Happy Thursday...

Bye, bye Birdie,

~A

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