Pretty Spaces

via 1, 2+3

Who ever thought you could use chicken wire and elegant in the same sentence? This cupboard is living proof that something old can be reinvented into something wonderful. With a little imagination, hard work and creativity, who knows what we can come up with! 

Whether you plan to dine out this weekend, dine al fresco, or cook a delicious meal indoors, be sure to break out the fine china and treat yourself to some beautiful exotic flowers... you deserve it!

Giveaways:

Enter to win an Atlanta Bartlett book, winner's choice

Enter to win a new blog header from Inspired's Blog Boutique, winner's choice

Spring In My Step

via 1, 2,3,4

Spring is a time for growth and renewal. This year has been very much about growth and renewal for me. It seems I woke up one day to realize my life became completely out of balance. I am correcting that with a lot of  mindful reflection, learning to balance caring for myself and others, creating meaningful work and play, developing fearlessness to take risks, and figuring out how to honor personal freedom and experience deeper relationships.

One of my favorite quotes is from the Disney movie, Mulan.  The quote is, "The most beautiful flower of all is the one that blooms in adversity."  How very true.

Giveaway: Atlanta Bartlett design book, winner's choice

Color Soiree: Aqua & Cream

via 1+2, 3+4

Welcome Spring!  After a weekend of Spring-like weather and perfect aqua skies I must say I am ready to say goodbye to Old Man Winter.  I always equate the color Aqua with warm weather, ocean breezes, and sand between my toes. Aqua wouldn't be my first choice for a kitchen, but I do think it works lovely in these rooms, especially with the warm creamy contrast.  Would you use Aqua in a kitchen?

 shop: lamp + skirt, sandals, dress

Enter to win a $50 gift card to Restoration Hardware

Color Soiree: Watermelon Sorbet

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It has been a hectic couple of days around here so I can't even begin to tell you how enticing

the idea of spending an afternoon poolside sounds right about now!   I am definitely going to fit in some time for R&R and I hope to find get time soon to catch up on all of my blog reading!  I've missed you all dearly.  Thanks for continuing to read and support me on a daily basis.  Hugs to you all.  xo

I am also visiting the lovely Erika over at Tiptoe Butterfly today as well.  I am sharing a Music Meets Decor post featuring Adele... Erika and I have a mutual admiration bordering on obsession of Adele's amazing voice.  I always love visiting Erika's blog because her fun and positivity is contagious!

Color Soiree Purple and Gray

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I am loving this color combination which can leave a room feeling bright and cheery or dramatic and glamorous.  That is one dinner party I would like to attend!  

Enter to win a custom fragrance from Nantucket Natural Oils

Letter to Cupid

 Dearest Cupid,

You got me at an early age.  Perhaps you are not solely to blame,  Disney certainly had a hand in turning me into a hopeless romantic.  After all, don't all little girls dream of having Prince Charming whisk us away one day?

 I know there are many who have become cynical and try to avoid your arrow at all costs.

They shun Valentine's Day and love in general.

Has my heart been broken?  Absolutely.  Torn out, trampled over and left to bleed.

 I have loved, lost and loved again.  I know that anything worth having in life is

never risk free.

 So while others who have been hurt may still be guarding their hearts,  I still believe 

in you, Cupid, and I am more than excited to celebrate your big day that is
quickly approaching.

Sure I like chocolates, flowers and mushy cards as much as the next girl, but true love really
isn't about all of those things, is it?

via
Love is more about keeping the spirit of Valentine's in your heart year round.
Telling the people you care about that you love them, being there for them when they are
sick and reveling in their joys as if they are your own.  It's about sacrifice and forgiveness.
So in closing, don't let the cynics deter you from your life's work, my dear friend.
Your arrow might strike them one day and their hearts may finally open up.
Signed,
Your biggest believer
xoxo

Current giveaways:
Win a cute clutch and ring from Ruche
Nordicware Ebelskiver from CSN Store

Dining in Style

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Cheers to the four food groups... macaroons, shoes, jewels and cake.  They all do such a wonderful job at feeding the soul.   The chevron napkins are just so perfect for a Spring tablescape, don't you agree?  The hunt is on.  Does anyone know where I can find them?


Current giveaways:
Win a cute clutch and ring from Ruche
Nordicware Ebelskiver from CSN Store

Springtime in January

via 1, 2+4, 3
Boston got buried in snow yesterday and although it's utterly beautiful, I am so over it!
I am longing for colorful Springtime blooms, bright cheery tablescapes and sweet little confections. 
I am visiting Helena today over at, A Diary of Lovely, where I will be sharing my style secrets in her, My Stuff Series.   Her, My Stuff Series, is one of my fave!  Come by and say hello!


Win a $50 gift card to Sur la table

Ringing in the New Year

via 1, 2, 3, 4
Whether you are getting dressed to the hilt and taking on the town, or having a quiet more intimate
New Years Eve at home, be safe, and may you have an evening to remember for years to come.
One of the highlights of 2010 for me has been the discovery of blogging, which happened quite accidentally.  I have made so many genuine friends in all of you.  Thank you so much for
continuing to read and support Inspired Design.  Your daily visits and comments light up my day and
I am very grateful to each and everyone of you!
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.  xoxo

Naomilynn Stationery giveaway enter here

Ideas for Your Christmas Table

THIS POST IS FROM ROOM REMIX - THE BLOG .

Southern Living

I'm probably like many of you in that I didn't grow up with exotic tablescapes or decorations in my home. 

Midwest Living

My mom was the ultimate entertainer, but not because she threw glamorous parties or gorgeous family dinners.  She was a minister's wife on an extremely limited budget who never knew who was going to show up at her home or when, but somehow miraculously always managed to have just the right amount of food on the table and everyone always felt welcome and loved.  

allaboutyou.com

I don't know how she did it, but I never remember having to turn anyone away, or it being obvious that she had to really get creative to serve everyone for any given meal.  No fancy tablescapes, but lot's of good food, great conversation and much laughter.  She was, and still is, an amazing example of what true hospitality and entertaining is really all about...

allaboutyou.com

Our Christmas family get togethers have remained simple and uncomplicated in that way over the years, many times because there were so many of us that you couldn't get us all at a table (or even two) anyways! 

Midwest Living

For the last five years or so, though, (has it been longer, girls?)  we've started setting up several long tables in their basement and one of my sisters and some nieces have done a great job of decorating them with just some simple, inexpensive decorations to add a little festive flair. 

Midwest Living

That's what drew me to many of the ideas in this post.

4 of the ideas from Midwest Living's Festive Holiday Tables



They're very pretty but most of them are made up of simple elements that you could use to make your table festive on a budget without putting a ton of time into it.

Midwest Living

This pretty napkin started out plain white, but they added the gold dots with paint.  So pretty...

Style at Home Photo Virginia MacDonald

I also like this unique arrangement for a buffet table using iron shepherds hooks inside tall sturdy vases filled with sand and then accessorized with ornaments and lanterns...



Midwest Living Photo Kim Cornelison


How do you decorate your Christmas table?

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