June 8, 2012

If I write a goal down, I much more likely to fulfill them:) So thankful to Anna for having me as a guest, and motivating me to write down 5 things I hope to accomplish this summer….

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1) Travel to a new place…maybe even a new state.

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2) Write real handwritten post cards. I have had a goal all year long to write more handwritten notes. This summer, I want them to be postcards. Something so nostalgic about them:)

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3) Take bike rides….lots of them. We just got a bike trailor than can even fit both of my babies in so we can have family bike rides. Maybe I should get a bike basket to make it a real show.

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4) Explore my city. Atlanta has so many mom & pop shops, restaurants, and spectacular parks. I loved this journal to record the expeditions.

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5) Do something unexpected. Its always good to venture outside of your comfort zone and grow spiritually, mentally, or challenge yourself physically. I am not sure what I will do yet, but I am excited to jump:)

3 Step DIY: Neon Trim Cardigan

June 7, 2012

{Tank: Old Navy, Jeans: Paper denim, Sandals: Nine West, Neon Studs: Loren Hope, Bracelet: Loren Hope}

This is a fun way to revive your old cardigans, or add a little flave to your favorite:)

I saw this image on pinterest via Sincerely Jules, and since I couldn’t find the cardigan source, I decided to just re-vamped my own. Read on for full instructions!

Materials:

1/2 yard fabric (ribbon can also be used!)

Liquid Stitch

Scissors

Cardi of choice

Instructions:

1) Measure out your fabric of choice in the lengths of your cardigan edges.

2) Cut strips along the edge of your fabric approximately 1/4-1/2 in. wide.

3) Using liquid stitch, slowly attach your strips along the edges of your cardigan and let dry.

I am keeping these DIY’s simple for you folks! They are the only ones I have time for;)

I hope you enjoy!

Blog Takeover: Marisol of Boutique No. 1524

June 6, 2012

I am honored that Anna has invited me as a guest in IHOD, as I truly admire her talent and integrity in everything she shares.

I am Marisol from Boutique No.1524, a little space created to curate beautiful details that would inspire me for ongoing design projects; while sharing with others in the process. I consider myself a modern/classic and I believe this reflects throughout my blog.

{No. 1 – west elm | No. 2 – anthropologie | No. 3 – west elm | No. 4 – pandora | No. 5 – stone textile | No. 6 – liberty london | No. 7 leather bracelet via hermes}

Inspiration comes in different forms, but one of my favorites is within the ‘collections’ series; where I get to curate beautiful fashion and decor within a given category. Today I would like to share one of these collections which I hope becomes one of your summer musings!

Giveaway: Choice Item from Stitched + Adorned

June 5, 2012

Thrilled to team up with Stitched + Adorned for a giveaway just in time for summer vacation!

If you have yet to visit this adorable online shop, you are going to not only love their clothing and accessories, you are going to LOVE their affordable price tag.

P.S. If you don’t want to wait to see if you win, IHOD readers get 10% off your order with code IHOD10 🙂 Have fun entering the giveaway! (Using rafflecopter so anyone can enter easily)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 5, 2012

So happy to be a part of such a fun series here on Michaela’s blog. She is such a gem, wouldn’t you say? Well, my name is Anna, and I blog over at IHOD. I am going to share with you a peak into a little corner of my home, that speaks loudly about me;) Why you ask?

1) Color – my sister nicknamed me Rainbow Brite (shout out to the babies of the 80’s!) long ago which still rings true today. I love color. I love bold colors especially.

2) Inspiration – I try to surround myself with things that inspire me, lift my spirit, and make me smile. A few of these things that do so here: peony print by Sarah Tucker, Decorate Book by Holly Becker, and a stack of notes to remind me to write more handwritten ones.

3) Artistry – the artist in me is always drawn towards patterns and shapes that are intriguing. Hence the lined tray, statement necklaces, and little modern vase.

It wasn’t until Michaela asked me to post on this theme that I even realized I had a space that summed me up pretty well;) What about you? Do you have such a space in your home?

Thank you so much for having me Michaela!

True Beauty Files: Aztec

June 4, 2012

{Dress: Dress Up Boutique (similar), Necklaces: Macaroy Kangaroo, Made by me, Sandals: Dress Up Boutique, Double Belt: H&M, Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope, Watch: DIY, Sunnies: Urban Outfitters}

I survived the weekend with my husband out of town for three days. We hadn’t been apart that long in a loooong time. I have such respect for single mothers and army wives. I am a whimp when it comes to life without him. How was your weekend?

P.S. Come back tomorrow for a very fun giveaway!

The True Beauty Files:

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

Real Chat: The Noble Art of leaving things undone

June 2, 2012

So thankful to Madeline for being a guest here today, and sharing her take on balancing life and motherhood. She blogs at Uber Chic for Cheap (head over if you aren’t familiar!) and also is a writer for Babble. Thrilled to have her here today on IHOD…

I am so excited to be contributing to this series! As I was reading Anna’s Real Chat post from last week, I found myself nodding along with everything she said and am honored to be included.

Before I had my son, Tate, I naively thought that my life would be so much easier. All I would have to worry about was making dinner and taking care of a baby. Ha! I’ve never been busier (and I’ve never been more fulfilled!) I write for two blogs, do architectural work from home and head up the women’s organization at my church. And of course, I take care of Tate, the house, and all the other incidentals that fall to the homemakes. I do a lot. But I don’t do it all.

We have frozen pizza for dinner at least once a week. I only do laundry on a “crap, I’m out of underwear again” basis. The shower is covered with soap scum and my garage is full of unpacked boxes and unfinished projects. And that is just fine by me.

In my early married life, I went through some pretty pressing problems with my health that made it impossible for me to do much of anything. During that incredibly trying time in my life I read this mantra. “Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.” I clung to this idea with everything I had. If I let myself get bogged down in doing things that are not fulfilling or important, I found myself a grumpy mess.

By letting myself not feel guilty for having messy closets and sticky floors, I leave more of myself for my husband and son:)