LIVING PRETTY WITH YOUR PETS {GUEST POST}

Today I'm over at Cuckoo 4 Design talking about something a little different... our cats!  Julia is a pet lover and has a series on her blog called "Living Pretty With Your Pets," and I'm honored that she's asked me to participate today. Our boys show up on Instagram from time to time, but not too often here on the blog.  I'm spilling all of the details of how they came to live with us and what their life is like at our house.  If you're a pet lover, you'll enjoy this series, and I'd love for you to come check out our post today! While you're there, be sure to poke around Julia's blog a bit.  She can truly do anything she sets her mind to (she just cut apart her couch and put it back together so it would fit down her basement stairs), and in addition to her stellar DIY skills, the girl can decorate.  A few of my favorite posts- (Please click the link to pin photos from Julia's original posts, thanks so much!) She l...

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THE SECRET TO MIXING BLACK AND WHITE + LEOPARD

In a recent interview I was asked my secret to pattern mixing, and I didn't have a cut and dried answer or formula for that.  I generally just rely on my eye and what I think looks right.  However, after some thought, I have come up with a "rule" that I use for a combo that some might think strange, but can actually work if done right... mixing black, white, and leopard. And here's the secret:  When mixing a black and white print with leopard, I've found that it works best if the black and white has a balanced, even pattern. It's even better when one more colorful pattern is thrown into the mix! These patterns are a little bit on the fence for me because they're slightly busier, but I think they still work because of the even weight of the black/white mix. A pillow and throw pattern mix- So those are all examples of how the mix can work, but here's what I wouldn't do: I don't think the mix works if the b...

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MOLASSES COOKIES

This is one of my favorite cookie recipes, yet somehow it got shifted to the bottom of the recipe basket, and I hadn't made them in a long time.  I resurrected the recipe last week and made a batch, then remembered that this cookie well deserves to be at the top of the stack!  Seriously, they're quite addicting, and my kids especially couldn't stop pounding them down. Fair warning... these are so good you will have stuffed 5 in your mouth before you know what happened! Shopping tip:  If you've never bought molasses, it should be near the breakfast syrup at your local grocery store. Molasses Cookies: 3/4 cup softened butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt Cream together butter and sugar in mixer.  Add egg, mix slightly, then add molasses.  Add in dry ingredients and mix well.  Use scoop to form dough into balls.  I use my small scoop...

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SPRING ACCESSORY PICKS FROM ETSY

The past few days in Oklahoma have been in the 70's and even 80's, and although I know it's premature I can't help but have a bit of spring fever!  The warm sunshine has me thinking bright, happy thoughts, and I did some browsing on Etsy for a few fresh accessories for the season. There are two trends that have been around for a little while, and I don't think they're going anywhere soon.  Agate slices and tassels... they just keep getting better and better! Agate Slice Bracelet - I love the dainty simplicity of this piece, Agate Brass Cuff - but I also love the bold statement that these bracelets make!  I would add some simple hoop earrings and let this piece be the star of an outfit. Agate Tassel Necklace - An agate slice/tassel combo?  Yes please!  The chain is really pretty of these, too. Scalloped Monogram Clutch - Outdoor BBQ and Wedding season will be here before we know it, and this would be the perfect little clutch for all of those...

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FRIDAY FAVORITES {INSTAGRAM EDITION}

Next to reading blogs, Instagram is my very favorite way to spend a few free minutes (which can quickly turn into half an hour if I'm not careful!).  This is by no means an exhaustive list of my favorites, so I'll only share a few today so you're not overwhelmed.  I like them for different reasons, appreciate each one for their own unique style, and draw inspiration from them all in one way or another. Laurie of  LB Originals  is as cute as she can be, has an affinity for darling vintage dresses, and check out these mad pattern mixing skills.  I have to watch it or I want one of everything she posts! I first came across  Jenny Tamplin  when I was co-hosting an IG hashtag series, and she quickly became a fave due to her fearless use of color.  You MUST see her hot pink gameroom! The Makerista - Everybody loves Gwen. I'm enjoying watching her transform her 80's super traditional full of orange oak house into a moody yet energetic, colorful showstopper. ...

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