Drink Anyone?

I was recently asked by a client to create a bar for her husband as a surprise. I love any excuse to involve alcohol so I was totally game. The client has a paneled study already tricked out with gorgeous art by famed John Carroll Doyle. I channeled my inner Garden and Gun Goddess and ran with it....and threw in The Southerner's Handbook for good measure. 

Imagine my sheer delight when I discovered Pottery Barn's new bar ware and accessory collection by Ken Fulk. I may or may not have run out at 8:50 pm on a school night to buy the very last retriever ice bucket. Yes, it is an ice bucket. Considering they have two retrievers, this was a major priority. Homework, Schomwork

 I scored this cart at fave shop, Maran Home and love the rustic vibe, gray wood and of course, the fact that is on oversized casters. 

 I stocked the bar and added some fun touches and tools... and a perfect "bar" lamp that I found in the garage. 

Oh, I think I'll have a drink. Cheers! -H

Sonrisa...

It's a year of first…  First camping (glamping if you will…) here.  and now...
NICARAGUA!!  (#Nica15)
Jackson, Lindley and I went on a mission trip for 9 days in this country that now has my heart. We went with 56 others from Life Point Church and served with Amigos for Christ in Chinandega, Nicaragua. 
Please bear with me while I do several post about the country and experience. Just think if it was 1970 I would invite you over for a casserole, jello mold and slide show of our trip. (You can thank me later and handle a few pics!) 

 What a beautiful country… And while the landscape took my breath away it was the people that stole my heart…

Sonrisa

(smile)

 Cuando he dicho sonrisa y mi cámara, que habla un lenguaje universal.

(When I said smile and had my camera, we spoke a universal language)

   

 

And now for my favorite sonrisas….

 See why I am so totally in love??? 

I'll share more later (yippee!) Still processing...

Happy Week and don't forget to SONRISA!
-Ann

Simply Simple...

Like I have said before,  you know we love a porch. It's a part of our below the Mason Dixon chemical makeup. Genetics.

So of course I was thrilled when one of my clients asked me to give her porch some much needed love.  I truly started with a blank slate…

 Shopping included hitting all my faves for outdoor pillows and accessories.

Layer 1: I added an outdoor natural stripe rug (Home goods), a metal stool (TJ Maxx), and pillows (Pottery Barn & Pier 1) This is where so many people stop BUT treat the space like a room and accessorize !

 Layer 2: A Turkish towel (HG) makes for the perfect blanket when the nights turn chilly! (IF EVER) The cream tray was a whopping $7.99 (TJ's) and breaks up the monotony of the wood. 2 lanterns are better then 1 (HG) … I like to buy lanterns in pairs simply because they are easier to use as a pair down the road if you switch things up.

 A real live plant is always the perfect accessory.

For a few stops around town and a vision I think the porch is welcoming, comfortable and just what the client was looking for! Remember when you are doing outdoor spaces, it is nice to keep the colors and style seamless with what is happening on the inside. This porch reads simple, natural and warm and is very cohesive with the style of the house.   Want your own eclectic outdoor space ready for fall?   Here are a few steals and must haves… This teak colored  set is less then $500 here.

Yes Pottery Barn Indoor/ Outdoor Kilm! …not on sale (boohoo) but still…

 Get here.

Toss in some pillows…

here. 

  and here.

A Turkish throw (FYI - my new favorite thing in the whole wide world)… 

here.

And voila you have layer 1 complete! Now go accessorize or call us to do it for you.  Happy porch living! -A