SUMMER MINI HOUSE TOUR

I've recently mentioned that I'd be posting a summer house tour soon, and I'm afraid I over-shot that a bit. Consider this more of a "here's a few summer decorations I put out" post.  :)  Since summer is well on it's way, I focused on the living room and entry and called it a day. For the entry, I left the giant clam shell but removed the orchid arrangement and added a live fern. When I realized the pot was visible, I scrounged around for something to cover it, and my disco ball ornaments did the trick.  Disco balls truly are for every season!  (See mine used in  Fall here ,  Christmas here , and my  big mama ball here !) I'm certain that this is my favorite summer vignette ever...natural, simple, shiny, and green. Moving on to the new sofa table, a few weeks ago I showed you 3 ways that I styled it , but here's where the accessories have landed for summer. This little crab door knocker is my favorite summer accessory.  H......

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A PRETTY BOTTLE OF... MOUTHWASH???

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Listerine . All opinions are 100% mine. It may not make sense why I'm posting about mouthwash on a primarily decorating blog, but with a bottle is this cute, how could I refuse?  Chevron, blue, green...just a few of my favorite things making an everyday necessity a little more fun! As of July 13, Target started carrying this exclusive new design packaging for Listerine bottles in 4 refreshing flavors... Cool Mint, Fresh Mint, Arctic Mint, and Fresh Citrus. I'm using the Arctic Mint, and loving the taste.  It's strong enough that I know it's working, yet it's not so powerful that my mouth feels like it's on fire.  ;) As of this week, we have a braces-wearing-kid, and I'm looking for every tool possible to make it easier for him to keep his teeth and gums healthy.  It's reassuring to know that with Listerine I'm choosing the #1 brand recommended by dentists!  Speaking of the kid......

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BEST OF THE NEST LINK PARTY... POSTPONED

I apologize for my tardiness in posting today, but just popping in to let you know that this month quickly got away from us, and we're postponing the Best of the Nest party until next Friday.  So, good news, you have one more week to get those fabulous projects posted! The summer heat has finally become oppressive here, so we're trying to beat it by hitting the bowling alley this afternoon.  Wish me luck...the kids are pretty tough opponents!  I'm also fluffing a bit this weekend in between basketball games, adding in some summer (since it's half-way over). See you back here next Friday, August 1, to link up.  Do you have any fun weekend plans? ...

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A DREAMY PATIO WOOD DISC WALL

Anyone who is reading today who is also a blogger totally understands when I say that one of the best things about blogging is meeting and establishing a connection with new friends.  Especially when you have a chance to meet those friends in real life! Lisa is one of those friends for me.  She's a fellow ministry (pastor's) wife who stumbled across my blog a while back.  She reached out and contacted me and we've enjoyed an e-mail friendship ever since.  It was a happy day last March when we had the privilege of meeting her family and spending a little bit of time together at their church (which was so much fun and inspiring!).  Since I had already been following her on Instagram, I knew she was in the middle of a fantastic project, which we chatted a little bit about that evening. After our time together was over, I anxiously kept an eye out for her to post her finished project, and when she did, it took my breath away!  Lisa graciously allowed me ......

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BRIGHTENING UP MUTED GOLD: SPRAY PAINT OR RUB 'N BUFF?

I recently had a few gold-ish pieces that I wanted to brighten up, so I thought I'd share my process with you.  First up, these pinecone lamps.  I've had them for several years and they're still a favorite, but they were starting to seem a little blah...too dark. I wasn't sure if I wanted to use spray paint, which I knew would give a more solid, uniform look, or Rub 'n Buff (R&B), which would leave some variation in the color.  I started with the R&B, because I could always spray later if it wasn't the look I wanted. Here's how it turned out: I did like the little bit of variation, but it wasn't brightening it up as much as I wanted it to.  So, I opted to spray them after all (Rustoleum Metallic Gold).  I've fallen in love with these lamps all over again! I've also had an eye on my peacock mirror (from Pier One a few years ago) for a while...the gold finish was beginning to seem a bit Old World to me, and I wanted to ......

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A ROYAL TABLE INSPIRED BY PRINCESS DIANA {SUMMER STYLE SOIREE}

This summer is flying right by!  We're already to our third installment of the Summer Style Soiree today, and this project was inspired by none other than Princess Diana.  Many thanks to the lovely Heather (who has a darling new baby boy!) from Southern State of Mind for organizing our party! When I think of Princess Di, the first thing that comes to mind is that classic sapphire ring, followed by all of the royal dinner parties that she must have hosted and attended.  So, for my project this month I combined those two thoughts into a tablescape. I set a royal table.  Well, as royal as a busy, thrifty, suburban housewife mom can get! I borrowed a few pieces of this gorgeous richly colored china from a friend, and just happened to have some giant "ring" napkin rings.  I altered the center stone (with some nail polish!) to give the illusion of a sapphire. I had a large, low, candlelit centerpiece in mind, and achieved a similar ......

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