wise words for wednesday

update: delightful dining

Remember my dramatic rant from yesterday about the dining room design? Sure you do!! Whelp, last night my favorite mom-in-law sent me pictures of a few dining tables + 6 chairs that her friend is selling from model homes for a reasonable cost. After yesterday's post, and realizing how dramatic I was (who me?!), I thought, "dining room tables and chairs don't fall into your lap every night." I took a leap and here's what I went with -

 

I think it's a good combination of several of the styles I mentioned in yesterday's post + with a little clean-up and the right accessories, these pieces will be great additions to the new house! Now, just to get us packed-up, loaded onto the truck and moved in are the next small hurdles!!

delightful dining

I've got house on the brain in a bad way. Over the last week or so I've been agonizing over a dining room table. Yes, agonizing - dramatic much?! Well, perhaps...?

The reason I feel like this is such a big decision is because the dining room will be the first room you'll see as you enter our home. The room has beautiful glass french doors, a perfect white fireplace at the far end, chair railing and great natural light.

I'm torn wether to bring in more funky, bright and modern pieces, or calm, subtle, classic antique furniture. I'd like to combine the two somehow, here are some rooms I'm loving and trying to figure out ways to incorporate pieces of each into my dining room.

Do you have any dining room design tips?

source: ofallthefish.com

source: ofallthefish.com

happy birthday to you

I've talked about how special my mom is here and here, but today is her birthday! She always go above and beyond for everyone in her life. She takes everyone under her wing, making everyone she meets feel like no one else matters in the world. She is a wonderful friend, wife, mom, aunt and daughter! We are so lucky to have her!

Today, Hannah and I are taking her to a vineyard for an afternoon together to enjoy the sunshine and to celebrate. It will be a wonderful time and I can't wait to raise a glass in her honor! Happy Birthday Mom!

photo by jenfariello.com

wise words for wednesday

We sometimes forget that life is happening while we're sitting at our desk - so in an effort to do my best while at my desk, I always have to remind myself....

custom closet

With three extra bedrooms in our new new house, I've been working on furniture plans trying to organize what we'll need to buy. With just a one bedroom condo - we're short on quite a number of pieces furniture to make our house a home. After some discussion & measuring rooms all day Sunday, Mr. S has agreed that I can turn one of the extra rooms into a closet/dressing room!!!

Not that I've had a lot of time to think hard on this...haha...I do have a few requirements that I want for my closet:

• Tons of storage
• A dressing table
• Organization for everything (!)
• Shoe display
• A place to lounge
• A full length mirror
• Fashion art
• A chandelier

Here are a few closets that fit my bill + they seem like I could pull them together without a custom design closet company -

the bloom

This weekend is Apple Blossom in Winchester, Va (Mr. S's hometown), and we're off to have some fun! Complete with pink and green abound, lawn parties, a very long (and enjoyable) parade, sun and lots of friends - there will be fun to be had all around!

I'll be back next week to share some snapshots of the weekend's events, but for now here are some pictures from Apple Blossom's past! Happy Friday Friends!!

she's growing everyday

A BIG Happy Birthday to my sister - Hannah! She's 23 today! Hooray!!! - I wish that I could celebrate with her, but alas there's those pesky exams for her & work for me!

Cheers to your birthday, and many more to come!! I hope it's the start of another magical year! I am so very lucky to have you as my sister and friend! Thank you.

photo by Jen Fariello

classic chambray

Whether it's an afternoon stroll around the farmers market or doing chores around the house - the chambray shirt is a closet staple. I love piecing it with pops of color and timeless camel brown accessories. How do you wear your chambray?

classic chambray by simplesurber featuring a military fashion

J Crew three quarter sleeve shirt, Rag bone neon yellow legging, Tory Burch  her shoes, Shoulder bag,Timex military fashion,Ring, Rag bone genuine leather belt, J.Crew plastic sunglasses, 

natural fibers

I've been like a crazy woman looking for design ideas for the new house. One of the things that I absolute know that I want for a sitting area off the kitchen is a jute or sisal natural fiber rug. I want to be sure to add texture wherever I can. Natural fiber rugs give a relaxed feel to a space that really want I want in the informal hang-out space where I hope to have people gather near the kitchen. Plus, you can't beat the durability of the natural fibers.