Assortment

Blur

 

Whoosh! That was today.

And it was pretty fun, all that life going by so fast. There's beauty in the motion blur. Did you know? 

It's true.

And when the blur includes thrifted scores of vintage Thonet chairs, a wooden cake stand (I've wanted one for so long!), and a set of wine glasses for the upcoming party, well, that's enough for high fives all around.

With What You Have, the series that usually makes an appearance here on Fridays, will keep for next week, should you be worried about that (you'll like this one). 

Now, loves, it's time for me to close up shop for the weekend and get some rest. 

Wishing you a lovely one!

 

 

Have you been looking for a tastefully designed, small house plan that lives large? You may just find what you've been seeking in the newly-released Shelter Collection - four small floor plans designed for gracious living in 900-1400 square feet, the first, second, & third have released, the fourth is coming soon. Peruse the collection here. 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading | Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wonderful book arrived in my mailbox last month that I can't wait another day to tell you about. It's Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating by Lauren Liess. Lauren is a decorator and blogger who lives near Washington D.C. with her husband, three little guys, and sweet baby girl.

I've been following Lauren's work for six years now and she never fails to inspire with her eye, her aesthetic, her business, and her personality. We've chatted a bit over the years via our blogs and social media, so I feel like we're friends (funny how that is!) and I was beyond thrilled last fall when she announced she was writing her first book.

As an interior decorator, I'm passionate about continually developing and honing my skill, and am always studying the work of talented designers and architects both past and present. In all the books I've read, a few have stood out as true gems, overflowing with actual knowledge and insight, not hollow fluff and unattached ideas. 

This book is one of those gems. 

Written in her approachable voice, Lauren's words are easily understood and her concepts are readily achievable. The premise of her book is to provide a guide to decorating for those who don't have training, but want to achieve tasteful design in their own homes. She breaks down the fundamentals of  decorating so that it becomes doable, and even helps readers understand the intangible parts of design, such as mood, aesthetic, and charm. 

If you have a penchant for decorating, and want to welcome fresh vision into your space, you couldn't wish for a better guide.  

 

 

 

Have you been looking for a tastefully designed, small house plan that lives large? You may just find what you've been seeking in the newly-released Shelter Collection - four small floor plans designed for gracious living in 900-1400 square feet, the first, second, & third have released, the fourth is coming soon. Peruse the collection here. 

 

 

 

 

On Kindness

 

It's getting colder every night. Late afternoon on Saturday, I was going like sixty to beat the early darkness, planting, planting, planting the last of the gifted perennials in my new flower beds, laying them out, rearranging, then tucking them in. As I did, I imagined all the flowers and blooms coming next summer, and the next, and the next, and the feeling of gratitude for the generosity of my friend was sweet.

Kindness. 

Then, wouldn't you know, later on, while seasoning the chili beans that had been simmering all day, I got a call from a local vegetable farmer who had just sold his farm and bought another. He was saying that, instead of transplanting all the raspberries and strawberries from the sold farm, he was giving them away, and would I please come dig some up! And while I was at it, go ahead and dig up some of the remaining potatoes, too. 

Such kindness.

I want to remember this. Not just the kindess of giving, but the kindness of actions, the kindness of words, the kindness of attitudes. I want to write it indelibly before me on a permanent lens - a filter of words, a tender of response. Because the very next night, I had an opportunity for giving kindness to someone close and I didn't do it. In fact, I was most unkind.

For the love of all that is good, why is it that cutting words somehow come easier? I could tumble into all the reasons, excuses, and circumstances, but I stop. Regroup. Apologize. Because there isn't an excuse, reason, or circumstance big enough. Kindness trumps all.

 

Wishing you a gentle week's beginning, friends. 

 

 

Have you been looking for a tastefully designed, small house plan that lives large? You may just find what you've been seeking in the newly-released Shelter Collection - four small floor plans designed for gracious living in 900-1400 square feet, the first, second, & third have released, the fourth is coming soon. Peruse the collection here.