Spring Clean

 I have successfully transformed my entryway into something I'm proud of! FINALLY! It took many unsuccessful attempts but with the help of both old and new touches paired with fundamental simplicity, the space now has a fresh, bright and eclectic finish that I treasure! The spring and summer air, keeps me wanting my version of a minimalist and open designed territory. My love for a shabby chic world will sometimes fall under the cluttered category and during the holiday season it's fun and warm, but it's time to execute the good old spring clean!
UO  was truly a life savior with these GORG mirrors that could give any room an old world/mid century stamp combined with a soft chic additive. My entryway so screams summer time to me! The area rug and faux potted plant were jewels from my beloved Homegoods store or what I like to call "treasure island".

I switched the living room area around (as I oftenly do) to also reflect a lighter and more airy feel; adding punches of color. I pulled the greens, reds, golds and teals and have them sprinkled throughout the common areas to remind your senses. It may seem like many colors but there is a great amount of open white wall space and my furniture is neutral central so the burst of colors gives this canvas a splash of life.

Our dining room table always makes me laugh because my husband absolutely hates it!LOL I completely understand that it's antiquated and looks like something out of the 70's via your Aunt Bernice's house growing up back in the day but, I DON'T CARE! I love mixing old and new and revitalizing what one may call dead. I decided to strip all color this season and fuse, romance and shabby chic over the bare wood. This setting is effortlessly sexy. Currently, I've been searching Anthro's tea cup collections for the perfect accessory to complete the look.

*My next project will be transforming my compact walk-in closet into a "pretty chic" and multifunctional space that I can make into my own little private quarters-I can't wait!!

:))

I am someone that is totally against walking into a store and buying a complete furniture set! I immensely enjoy hand picking every piece that enters our door. This is why it will actually take me years to complete my interior decor even in such small spaces. When my hubby and I graduate to our dream home we may possibly have to furnish rooms in this fashion, depending on how big we go but for now,  I am having so much fun exploring and trying new things. I love how creative I can be while we're renting verses when you buy a home the decisions you make are a lot more permanent and most likely more expensive to make mistakes.
There are items that we've purchased that I'll know not to buy again and great finds that I know I will always have and take with us where ever we go. From Z Gallerie frames, antique and estate sale gems to West Elm and Anthro touches; I carefully place the pieces together to this puzzle. Items may start in the bathroom and end up in the living room and shift from one corner of the room to the next. That actually happens often!!
I am OBSESSED with the details in a home. To me, that's what makes it home and not just obviously placed furniture in a room. It speaks volumes about an individual and can absolutely "speak to" guests! Have you ever been in a home where you feel uncomfortable to sit down anywhere because you might break something or the home just feels cold and unlived-in? Have you ever entered into a persons home and it makes you want to cuddle up on their big couch, wrap their throw around you, put your feet up and sip tea??? THAT is everything to me! I will drop a stack on a lavishly plush throw that feels good on your feet and like butter on your skin; trust me I have several. So with that being said, the DETAILS are what makes me ponder at night. I'm not crazy but its such an unsettling experience when something is incorrectly arranged and I have to look at it every day?! Yeah…no!
The placement has to feel right and if every time my eyes drift I smile; then I know it's in the right place.

 

There's something effortlessly grand about the finishing touches of fan pulls. (SMILING)

 

When I walk into our bathroom and I'm hit with the subtlety sweet aroma of lavender mixed with the carefully arranged color placement of potpourri. (SMILING)

Le Jardin Botanique is a municipal botanical garden located at Place Bardineau, Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine, France; 

One may ask why on earth does a wooden beat up box make you smile… but it does!

After being moved from beside the television to along side the couch, I feel very good about where this prized eclectic splash is placed within our living room. Vintage boxes used as a side table is every shabby chic lovers dream! (SMILING)

Searching for my next jewel! 

*Don't hesitate to send me pics of small treausures in your home that make you smile-I'll post them!

Summer Time Lingerie

I've come across tons of women in my adult years that have seem to think that once they've had the honor of birthing a beautiful life into this world, they are no longer required to look and feel sexy! I, on the other hand, have chosen to lead the wolf pack in another direction. Flashing your bare curves in front of your infant child may be inappropriate once they've reached the toddler stage but a lace or silk negligee is ok in my book. It's actually NECESSARY to regain your pre birth feelings of confidence and feminine grace as well as preserving your marital obligations. It is totally unfair to your husband to go from Victoria Secret to Eileen West after the babies!!! But thats another blog entry for another time-lol. Like the seasons, my lingerie needs change depending on each phase in my life. During my pregnancy, I needed certain things, post pregnancy I needed other things and now I'm gearing up for my present stage. It's summer time ladies so, let the fun begin!! My newest addition is one of my Favorite bras right now! I have it in black and nude in two different sizes depending on my coverage needs. Merci- By Çhantelle

I find that Chantelle bras in general have a lower scooped back strap, which I love! They're great for the summer time when you wear those Urban or Anthro tops that Always either have lace or dip severely low in the back. The nude color is rich and slightly darker for a more bronzed complexion- ugh, it's Gorgeous! Even though I would love to wear lace each and every day, some tops do require a seamless look and a smooth contoured bra always does the trick. I just received my new Memory Foam T-shirt bra- By Wacoal in PINK!

To my pleasant surprise I already had the matching panty that I found rummaging through the sale rounder at Nordstrom Rack. I love this particular bikini style and I have it in literally every color!

Only after the kids are tucked away for the night, the kitchen has been cleaned and you're now in super relaxed mode with a crystal glass of pinot in your manicured hands do you unleash this next beauty! The in bloom robe is perfect for those warm summer nights!

During the warmer months, I crave the lighter chiffon fabrics and the barely there lighter lace bras. The less material the better! Per request from my subscribers, let's go over some quick bullet points on finding the best panties : 1.) Every department store has sales. You cannot purchase target items wanting Neiman Marcus quality-it'll never work. 2.) You should purchase at least five different styles so that each ensemble has the right under garments. 3.) If you're looking for deals, you may have to pick and choose between different stores. 4.) *THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT* Distinguish your specific shape and understand which styles work best for you. If you have wide hips, the hipster style works best. If you have small hips, the hi cut or french cut styles work best for you and so on and so forth. Most women that say they cannot find comfortable underwear are buying the wrong style for their particular shape and then they give up and resort to the dreadfully disturbing "granny panty"! Don't give up!! 5.) Fashion colors ALWAYS go on sale! Buy the fuschia color and get the quality that you need at the discounted price. You will not drop dead if your bras are not nude or black. Though, you will need the basics, you typically do not see color underneath anything besides a white blouse.

Last but not least, do not forget to donate! It is better to give than to receive. My donation bag is all set to go-Stay Blessed!

HAPPY LINGERIE SHOPPING!

inLove

One of my girlfriends, whom is currently expecting her first child, asked me if I had any labor and delivery suggestions and/or information I could share with her. I really wanted to tell her the truth! (1) It's EXCRUCIATINGLY painful (2) I felt like I was going to die and that I was physically incapable of pushing my daughter out (3) I felt like a little troll or the devil was standing behind me and every two minutes decided to stick a butcher knife in my lower back and jiggle it around, while smiling! BUT, I didn't tell her that. I told her as long as her husband was by her side, holding her hand and coaching her throughout the process, that's the best pain reliever there is. That's partly true!lol Mind you, I had a vaginal birth, no epideral and pushed out an eight pounder so my description may seem a little extreme for someone who had a C-Sec or intense meds. With that being said, once you get to hold your little peanut you realize it is well worth the 300 battle you just went through. When your husband is so proud of you and his heart is filled with nothing but admiration and joy because his wife just endured all that pain and suffering to bring his prince or princess into the world, that is PRICELESS!

So of course, when we first bought her home, I was exhausted! We fell asleep on Daddy and he caught the moment in black and white! LOVED IT and I'm framing it! Daddy and his sleeping beauties ♥

Inspiration

This inspired me today along with

I love that nothing really matches but there are feminine and masculine feels in both. Grabbing some ideas for our new place. It's literally an empty canvas - and I Love that!