Wonders from the Weekend

< American flag newly hung outside our house, waving in the wind >

Ahhh, first day of a short week!  This past holiday weekend was absolutely wonderful- don't you wish three-day weekends were a much more common occurrence?  These past few days away from work allowed for a variety of activities to be accomplished including work on some small projects around the house, a sunny yet windy afternoon on the lake with friends, a barbeque at our house to celebrate my husband's birthday, and a very relaxing Memorial Day.  These kinds of weekend activities are exactly how I would love to spend my time every weekend this summer, and this holiday weekend was a great way to welcome the summer months.

So tell me, how did you spend your Memorial Day Weekend? Leave a comment and let me know!  Have an amazing rest of this week!

< Platter of barbecued chicken and tri-tip >

< Cupcakes to celebrate my husband's birthday >

< Boating on a windy day, yet absolutely enjoyed the sunshine >

< Retro looking sign at our local movie theater where the smell of popcorn is wafting all around >

< A quick DIY bouquet of summer blooms and stars-and-stripes pinwheels in honor of Memorial Day >

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to you!  May we never forget those who have sacrificed and who are sacrificing their all for the freedom that we enjoy in our great country.  Land of the free because of the brave!

Regular daily posting will resume tomorrow.

God Bless America!

Dreaming of Memorial Day Weekend/Summer

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you!  Have a fabulous three-day weekend!

Images courtesy of   BHG, Elle Decor, Everything Fabulous, Real Simple, Sea of Shoes, Sunset, The Coveteur

Obsessed: Green with envy

< The Curtain Dress >

Ever since taking a long movie break to watch Gone With The Wind with my BFF a few weekends ago, I cannot stop thinking about the green 'curtain dress' Scarlet wore to go see Rex while he is being held captive.  This was my favorite dress in the whole movie when I was younger, and as I watched the fashion in this film the other day, I realized that I pretty much love every dress that Vivien Leigh wears in this classic movie.  Green has been the main topic of a previous Obsessed post (as seen here), but today's green obsessions revolve around house decorations, fashion, and other emerald-hued items that inspire me to add the color of the Luck o' the Irish into my life.

Whatever your plans are for this Memorial Day weekend, have a great next three days!

< Ever since eying this daybed via a post from Sea of Shoes, I am hunting for a green velvet daybed cushion for the living room makeover I am dreaming of completing.  Photo credit: Manny Rodriguez >

< Ginnifer Goodwin went green with her dress and jewelry for the MET Costume Institute Gala.  I am not completely loving the side cutouts of her dress, but the longs sleeves, high slit, and sparkling jewels are stunning.  Photo credit: InStyle >

< This green nail polish brings the lines from the "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" song to mind, but the name cracks me up: Trophy Wife >

< Angelina's substantial emerald earrings from the 2009 Oscars are unforgettable.  Leave it to Kyle Richards to don a fabulous recreation and spike the hype of this earring design once more.  Even Kelly Ripa joined in on the trend (sorry Kelly, not the most flattering picture!).  Photo credit:  InStyle >

< How elegant is this spring/summer table setting?  I will be looking for some green glass dishes to add to my cupboards.  Photo Credit: Country Living >

Guest Amenities

< Fluffy pillows that decorate a bed and are nice and plush as props for reading >

When I picked up the mail the other day, I was happy to see that there was a Pottery Barn Bed & Bath catalog waiting for me.  I love getting the these kinds of catalogs because they always provide ideas and inspiration for decorating and redecorating my home.  Also, how great is it to get a magazine or a catalog in your mailbox to counteract the effect you might feel when all of the bills are delivered?  Anyway, browsing through the pages of the Bed & Bath catalog gave me some new ideas for my guest provisions, but also reminded me of some of the comforts I have already added to the guest rooms in our place.  Because there are only two of us currently inhabiting our house, we have the space for two separate guests rooms- one is decorated in pink and yellow (previously featured here), and the second is a Paris-themed room with black furniture and touches of blue everywhere (as seen here).  I am now thinking it is about time to rearrange these rooms, but...  I hope this helps inspire you to decorate the guest spaces in your house!

< A desk from my childhood, which I painted black and placed next to the bed in this guest room, provides a resting place for a lamp, a clock, some tissue, and floral decorations; this is also a great place to add a water carafe when we have visitors. >

< A small assortment of office supplies- pens, scissors, paper clips, and tape rest on a shelf for guest's convenience- as well as a metal pineapple brought home from a visit to Mount Hermon >

< A live plant and a candle add a very welcoming effect to any room >

< A chair and matching ottoman invites guests to kick back and relax; the ottoman can also double as a luggage stand when needed >

< A vintage cabinet serves as both a bedside cabinet and a short term dresser for house guests- sometimes it is nice to provide a basket, some shelf space, or room in a cabinet for guests to place their items in an orderly fashion >

Tell me, what are your favorite amenities to add to a guest room?  What are the best little details you have experienced as a guest in someone else's home?

Stupendous Sales!

Who doesn't love a good sale?!  Today's lunchtime post is brought to you by all of the amazing deals you can get through the fabulous sales and promotions at quite the collection of stores!  If you have a checklist of summer items you are wanting to add to your closet, check out these sales.  Happy browsing!

Keep making it a great Wednesday!

< Last Call by Neiman Marcus is offering some greats deals in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday. Click here to find some great deals from this sale >

< LOFT is offering half off all sale items!  This is a great place to get office wear, event dresses, and summer t-shirts for a great price >

< Want to see the rest of this picture?  Click here to find out more about The Limited's deal of the day >

< Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale?  Yes please! >

Rock On

Over the past weekend I was able to attend a fabulous outdoor classic rock concert (mentioned here), and was completely motivated to add a little rock star influence to my outfit that night.  Since then, I have enjoyed listening to some classic rock on the radio and when such songs show up on my iPod.  The concert and all of these songs have reminded me of the fabulous little fashion details one can add to a clothing ensemble for a touch of rock 'n' roll.  I am happy to share with you some of the items that live in my closet, which I turn to when I want to toughen up an outfit with a little rock star savvy.

< Tops; a silver lizard print tank, gold sequin details on a t-shirt, animal stripes, and a black vest with an embellished collar >

< Purses; black fringe, lizard print with gold studs, and black with gold detail >

< Necklaces; black feathers, chunky chain baubles, brown tassel, striped chains, and black tassel >

< Earrings and bracelets >

< A zebra print scarf >

< Heels with rock-glam details >

Color Blocking

Just in case you haven't heard, color blocking is a huge trend this season.  Runways were filled with bright colors stacked on top of each other, and magazines and clothing retailers have gone mad for this colorful fashion passion.   I have yet to try this method of pairing one plain-colored but bright clothing item with another piece whose attributes are the same, but as the weather warms up and the sun stays out, I will find my motivation to wear a color blocked outfit.  For now, I have dreamed up some ways to pair colors and color block some outfits, and I hope these fashion ideas help to inspire you to pull out those bright pieces from your closet and don them one sunny day this spring.  Tell me, what two bright colors are your favorite to pair together?

Color Blocking: Tangerine and Red by ParticularlyPracticallyPretty

Color Blocking: Coral and Jade by ParticularlyPracticallyPretty

Color Blocking: Lemon and Blue by ParticularlyPracticallyPretty

Color Blocking: Green and Pink by ParticularlyPracticallyPretty

Color Blocking: Sherbets by ParticularlyPracticallyPretty

Color Blocking: Just a Smattering by ParticularlyPracticallyPretty


P.S.- Check out The Man Repeller for a hysterical look at color blocking, as well as J's Everyday Fashion and Taylor at Sterling Style for some excellent real-life-color-blocking inspiration.

Let's Get Cooking!

< My kitchen >

Monday is halfway over already!  Most days, as I am eating lunch, I begin to think about making dinner for the evening.  Although I rarely start the evening meal any time before the evening hours, I am a planner and therefore cannot help planning ahead of time for dinner.  Sometimes I have a meal plan for the whole week, and other days I play it by ear according to the events of the weeks.  One of my favorite things about cooking at home is having an organized and well-equipped kitchen.  Below, for your lunchtime reading pleasure, are some great resources for kitchen tools, pretty place settings, and tablescaping inspiration.  Tell me, where are your favorite places to go to stock your kitchen supplies?

< West Elm has modern/classic designs with an eco-friendly edge.  Check out some of their new kitchen pieces here >

 < If you haven't heard, One Kings Lane is a great source for home decor and design ideas.  You need to register in order to log on to their website, and you can click here to create your account >

< Anthropologie... need I say more?  Check out their website for some fabulous resources for outdoor entertaining with that classic whimsy touch that is so Anthropologie >