A Charming Day

Time Flies

2012-01-27T10:52:00.000-06:00

You know what we missed yesterday? The 2 year anniversary of this blog! Two whole years of me rambling about things I want and paint colors and furniture and beverages and Frida.
Well, nobody gets tired of Frida.

She's looking at you.

So lets just say that this is our Anniversary celebration. Yay. I feel like I've been celebrating all week. It has been a great one, at least according to my camera phone.
This is my view from my new project... probably my coolest one to date.

These chairs are in the store, and I am in love with them.

I have started back running/ walking in the earlyearly morning. The weather has been awesome, and the boulevard is almost magical at that time of the day...

I won the lottery at the CoinStar. I really really did. And now I don't have to decide between a plane ticket to Martha's Vineyard and my chair.

Which is being delivered to my house today.
Just to check it out....
Pictures of that later!

Happy Friday and Happy 2 Years!

Do you feel like starting at the beginning? Here's my first post. Wow... how things have changed.

Paper Corral

2012-01-26T07:42:00.003-06:00

Lists just work for me. I'm already checking things off my House To Do List Early 2012....
I knew I needed some sort of organization for my desk.. There were papers EVERYWHERE. No rhyme or reason to anything.. But there were no pennies in the budget for new trays... especiailly if I only wanted acrylic, snakeskin or something equally as fab.
That's where the half off $12 (still has price tag on the bottom) Pier One tray that I bought when I lived in Memphis.. 10 years ago.. comes in.

Surely I had a vision with this one.
I have no idea why I bought it,

or why it has made so many moves.

So I borrowed my little snake tray from my bathroom. I need something bigger, but it is just visiting for today.
But this guy is staying put. Just a little priming and sanding plus a few coats of my master bedroom color...

It is perfectly corralling my magazine work.

Plus a stray necklace.

Love a free project.

"Bunk" Room

2012-01-25T07:52:00.001-06:00

Source: Uploaded by user via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Isn't this one of the greatest little spaces? My mother is turning my dad's old office upstairs into a bunk room for the grandchildren.. and of course I am putting my two cents in. Love the idea of each child having his own little hiding space with reading lamps.. and probably their own little television.
Best Grandparents ever, just sayin.

House List Early 2012

2012-01-24T07:32:00.002-06:00

I love a list.
But for some reason, I have been flying by the seat of my pants lately. Without a list... not knowing what to do next. So Not Me.
I'm back though.. with my "House To- Do List Early 2012". Early, as in, by the end of March these things need to be done:

*Finish Office. This includes finding trays to organize my desk, painting and installing the chandelier, Getting artwork just right, and putting casters on my chair.

*Deciding on and purchasing chair for living room or recovering one I have. Have pillows made for sofa. I want that room finished.

*Do something with the guest bath. Something. I haven't nailed that down yet. But that room creeps me out.

*Fix Gas Logs... I haven't enjoyed a fire YET this year. Bummer.

*Get outside cleaned, decluttered, and pretty. Plant something!

Not a lot of stuff, mostly nit- picky details that I haven't found time to do. This is my Accountability check.
Hold me to it!

Crock Pot Friday

2012-01-20T14:19:00.002-06:00

I love Fridays. Not because my work week is over, because it's not, but because of lunch.
Friday means lunch on the balcony of TurnRow Books, my happiest spot in town, with two of my favorite and most inspiring women. I look forward to this all week. I feel like I can conquor the world after Friday lunch.

But now I feel like I need a nap because today was Crock Pot Friday....

Crock Pot Cuban Sandwiches to be precise.

With a side of potato salad.

And a ~~beer~~ Diet Coke.

Ahhhh. Happy Friday.

Happy Thoughts

2012-01-19T07:32:00.001-06:00

How can you complain
when you have Doe's hot tamales for breakfast?

when your toughest decision on your to-do list is what color to paint this for the office?

when this guy is camped out under your desk?

when all your emails yesterday consisted of planning the girls' trip to Martha's Vineyard this summer?

{photo here}

You just cant.
You Can't Complain.

I woke up in a really good mood this morning... and I'm trying to forget about my broken filling that has to be fixed at the dentist this afternoon.

I'm trying to think happy thoughts.

Go for the Gold!

2012-01-18T07:56:00.004-06:00

You know what I love about a day off?
Getting things done.
If you know me at all, you know I can't sit still and a good day is one that I am super productive.
Can't help it.
You should meet my dad.

So after a walk, a hair cut, a Wal Mart run, magazine work, JA work and straightening house...
I got to play with my dear friend.... Spray Paint.
Thanks to two of the stylish women I know, I went with Gold.

And this fabulous table

turned into this fantastic work of art..

Not a huge change,

but enough to make the table look like it should live in my house, right?

A little glam.. A little rustic.

Real Funky.

Starry Night... All day long.

2012-01-16T07:48:00.001-06:00

Remember the Sparkle Party that happened in my dining room over Christmas?
I found a way to have it year round....

Have you ever seen such?

{Find it and Buy it here}

Retro Quickie

2012-01-12T07:38:00.000-06:00

Mornin'! I'm heading to Greenville today loaded down with ideas and inspiration and my big girl camera. May or May not be swinging by to see my old stomping grounds, the One Block East, get torn down... if I do, I promise I will be leaving with a brick. Or at least some great pictures. So many underage memories...

Leaving you with this fabulous house ... please add new landscaping (I am not a desert girl) and I'll move in tomorrow. Love.

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Oh, And these barstools look like they were made to go inside.

Source: etsy.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Perfect for my dream kitchen.
Have a great day. I am pumped about mine!

Patience

2012-01-11T08:18:00.000-06:00

Does that title make you start whistling Guns and Roses? Bet you are now...

Because I am contantly changing my mind and I do not have a limitless budget, no room in my house is completely finished. I think this is because I am always looking for the Perfect piece... I don't want crap just to have it. I am trying to learn to be patient.
Saying that, I have been walking by a chair for weeks at the store, really loving it, but not sure why. Then it hit me that it might just be that perfect chair for my living room.

OK.. It looks a little pink and the photo is blurry, but it really is teal, green, red and gold.

And it is extremely comfortable.

I'm trying to talk the guys into delivering it to the house just to check it out.

Here it is with my red chair.. which will stay in the room.. and my Amanda Stone Talley fabric which will be made into a bolster for the sofa.

Completely worth the wait, don't you think??

Painting Possibilities

2012-01-09T08:04:00.002-06:00

My trigger finger has been itching to spray paint something lately. I'm not sure why I have been completely indecisive about colors. I do know that this guy is on my list to be painted..

This is bedside in my guest room, and I love it.

The whole "natural" look is not really me though. I'm thinking more like this...

Source: betterdecoratingbible.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: google.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

But Red- Orange to really really pop?

Or Mustard to go with that pillow?

I'm leaning toward Mustard and a trip to the paint store.

Thoughts?

Votes?

Ideas?

Spare Time I can borrow?

Update #2: The Evolution of a Light

2012-01-05T08:17:00.000-06:00

I've been on the hunt for a light fixture for my dining room for years. Since Labor Day of 2008, to be precise, when I moved in. To start with, the room was rocking a brass number way too high...

Gross.

Also, I had no idea what I wanted in that room. Seriously.. how many blog posts have I done about chandeliers? So I simply spray painted the fixture black and called it a day.

For a few years. I'm a big fan of patiently waiting for the perfect thing. Most of the time.

Finally, I bit the bullet.

My sister in law had bought/ found/ acquired a piece years ago that didn't work for her house and passed it on. And it sat in storage until I remembered its potential.

It too needed some paint, but I didn't want the finish too smooth. or too shiny.

I hand- painted the fixture with matte gold craft paint so a little of the nickel peeked through.

For hours. With a little paint brush.

So worth it though... because I love the way it turned out.

Old Traditions and Modern Art

2012-01-04T08:51:00.000-06:00

Around my Junior year in college, I met a girl down the street who really shared my interests. Mainly my interest in the Mississippi Magazine Wedding Register.
For two years, we would rush to Square Books when the issue came in and spend an entire day, maybe two...seriously, school?..... reading and critiquing. Our friends thought we were insane but would lovingly bring us Sonic drinks and laugh with us. When I moved to Memphis and Ellen stayed in Oxford, I would come back to visit just for this occasion. Greenwood and New Orleans is a little longer of a trek to get together.. so we improvise on the phone. For years, we would promise not to read or even look at pictures until we both had the issue in hand. Our weddings have both been in it.. and "our story" has even been mentioned in an issue by the editor. We now juggle homes and jobs and her super cute baby now..but we have a phone date in the near future.
Because this year is a really good one....

Go Blue Shoes!

Love the featured weddings and the new layouts.
And just sayin'.... it also has one of my favorite articles I have written.

If you can peel yourself away from gorgeous weddings,

flip over to page 170 for the home with the perfect mixture of 18th Century French antiques and amazing modern art. Check out that piece over the mantel: Andy Warhol. Seriously.

It took my breath away. Those to the right? Marc Chagalls.

Insane. The home was filled with Dalis, Picassos, and Lichtensteins.. just to name drop a little. And a fabulous dog named Millie. You would think that it would be priceless and untouchable, but the wonderful family has made it perfectly lived in. I walked around for a while with my mouth open.

I wanted to move in.

Update #1: All but the Kitchen Sink

2012-01-03T14:12:00.000-06:00

I was quoted in Leflore Illustrated, our newspaper's quarterly magazine, this past summer about something to do with updating your kitchen on a budget. I mentioned the easy way of just changing out your faucet. Not too expensive, but makes a big impact, right?
Then I realized I was a humongo hypocrite.
Mine looked like this..

Don't be distracted by the pretty flowers.

That faucet is Awful.

So thanks to my lovely grandparents.. I had this installed today!

HUGE difference.

Love the finish AND that pull down sprayer!

One question... do people actually use those soap dispensers?

I never have and find them very strange.

Thoughts?

Whoop Whoop!

2012-01-02T13:19:00.000-06:00

Dear 2012,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing up. I was completely over 2011. You and I are going to Rock. It. Out.
Love,
Mary Neff

Happy New Year to all ya'll! I am spending the first three days of my year deep cleaning, drinking lots of coffee, walking Frida, and treating myself to a spa day. And NOT WORKING. I promise to blog more in the next few days... I have a plumber and an electrician coming to the house tomorrow, so I will have plenty of pictures to post. Santa was very good to me this year.
I am also working on my goals for this year. They will be fantastic. This is my year.

2011-12-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

Supermarket Sweep

2011-12-22T07:19:00.001-06:00

I wish I could show you my to- do list from yesterday... excuse me, my "I have to get all this done during my lunch hour to- do list" which included "Buy Christmas Presents" and "Grocery Store". To say it was overwhelming is an understatement.
Thank God for small towns. I rocked that list.. my family members will be super- pleased with their gifts, car insurance got paid, ate lunch, and I even scored a happy for myself at the grocery store.

Right now, I'm sticking my tongue out

and saying "Na Na Na Boo Boo".

Seriously.

I'm sorry, that's rude. But..

MY GROCERY STORE CARRIES THESE PILLOWS.

$12 for two.

That place is Crazy Town.

{Remember when I found these?}

New Favorite

2011-12-21T08:22:00.002-06:00

I have been a complete candle junkie lately,

but when this one came in the mail...

it quickly became the new fave.

NEST Holiday Candle.

Thanks L!

Pillows of Awesomeness.

2011-12-19T20:09:00.000-06:00

True Story:
Christmas 2003. I was living the good life in Memphis. Being the fabulous and loving daughter I am, I left work and was traveling to Greenville to be with my family for the holidays. My parents had informed me on the way that they would not be able to take me to Doe's as I had requested for my homecooked meal but would instead be going to a party down the street. Without me.
I decided I would slow the trusty 4Runner down and take advantage of some Christmas Light Viewing down Highway 61. Carols on the radio and me singing at the top of my lungs, I whipped down by Deer Creek to see the lights in Leland. Lovely. Heading back up to the 4 way stop, O Holy Night came on. Crank it up. My Favorite. I was hitting that high note right at the Leland Motel when KABAM. Oh, hello pick up truck in front of me, nice trailer hitch in my grill. Whoops.
Regardless, O Holy Night is still my favorite Christmas song. I try not to listen to it in the car. It did come on last night while I was making these little pillows of awesomeness.

Homemade Marshmallows, Ladies and Gentlemen.
They are not hard to make... I follow the recipe at The Smitten Kitchen.

They are much easier with a stand mixer, but alas I do not own one at this time so I use a hand mixer which is not a big deal.

FYI. Marshmallows are the perfect accompaniment to my favorite Christmas beverage.

Nog.

Friday. Yay.

2011-12-16T08:16:00.001-06:00

Don't you love when you forget you have something, then discover it at the most perfect time?
My brother and sister in law sent this to me last year for a Christmas present. I loved it, put it out all season, then carefully packed it up with all of my other holiday decorations.. and completely forgot about it.
It's probably my favorite thing this year...

And on an unrelated note, I swung by Indianola last night to visit with my best friend at an Art Party. A. That concept was awesome. Different artists brought their wares to one location and had a cocktail party. Greenwood, we need to do this.

B. I totally scored. (Thanks, Anna!!!)

I am extremely particular about what I drink my coffee out of in the morning.

This is really working out today.

Which I need in my life.

Especially if I keep coming home to this guy eating Sharpies on my bed.

I'm Out.
Enjoy your Friday.

Moody Blues

2011-12-14T08:04:00.000-06:00

Even as I am lightening up my wall colors in my house.. I am completely smitten with dark and moody blues..

Source: traditionalhome.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: centsationalgirl.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: houseandhome.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Thank God for a blue kitchen, but I need a vacation home to decorate.

("Blue" in no way reflects my mood today, promise! Thanks for the concern though:)

Hitched!

2011-12-11T16:45:00.001-06:00

When two good people find each other and decided to get married, it is the most wonderful thing in the world. This weekend has been a blur of super fun friends, a signature drink called The Poinsettia, and the sweetest ceremony I have ever attended. I was extremely honored to be a part of it.. and so excited for the lifetime of great happiness the McCalebs have to look forward to..
As promised, I took pictures of the rehearsal dinner and managed to keep up with my big girl camera to prove it.

2011-12-07T22:46:00.001-06:00

You know I believe that everyone needs a little disco in their holiday? So does my friend, Amy, who has the etsy store, Dimestore Diamonds.. and she made these fantastic earrings for those of you that agree...

They are crazy affordable and would probably give you

just that sparkle- party that you need

for a holiday night out!

I'm also crushing on these

these

and still these..

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

2011-12-07T22:20:00.001-06:00

I love ya, Tomorrow! You're only a day away!!!!
(Picture me in the first grade, singing that in the dear ole WS talent show. It happened. And I was CUTE. Though I remember my aunt telling me I needed more arm guestures.)

The big weddin's getting super close, and we have all been in overdrive. It has been such fun getting the girls in town together to be crafty. Then I hole myself up and get my own work done. I work like a monk. Alone. While watching crap like Message in a Bottle. Really. It's the only way I can do it.
But, I'm so ready for the rehearsal dinner! I wish I could install Right Now.
Here's a little sneak peak at the flowers... I promise pictures of the real deal. Someone remind me to take my big girl camera? And then keep up with it?? Thank ya.

Anchors Away

2011-12-06T22:45:00.001-06:00

Bam.

Love Love Love my new bling!

All I needed was $20, needle and thread,

and a 30 minute lull at work,

and I feel like I have a brand new coat.

The anchor buttons came from here

and remind me of little boys' navy blazers...

and a little Delta Gamma shoutout.

And PS. It's snowing here.

Seriously.

Soup and Swap

2011-12-06T07:23:00.001-06:00

Last night was mine and Laura Merrill's 3rd (??) annual ornament swap.. and we went big this year. Why not? LM's only getting married Saturday!! What better way to start the weddin' week than with 20 of your favorite women, lots o' wine and Pimiento Cheese Soup? I feel like I have said this before... but the Delta Magazine Cookbook rocks my world. Not only the soup came from it but also the Muffaleta dip. YUM. And for LM's delicious toffee recipe, visit her blog this morning.
I'm definitely in the Christmas spirit now!

Happy Parade Day!

2011-12-02T07:47:00.001-06:00

Things I like: Pinterest Edition

2011-12-01T07:10:00.001-06:00

Source: bhg.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Love this breakfast room.. Would change out some pillows, but I would basically spend all my time here.

Source: piccsy.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

My new tattoo.
Kidding, Mom. But it is pretty awesome, if I were into that sort of thing.

Source: jewelry.1stdibs.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

My brother has recently scored a vintage Rolex, and I am super jealous. This one is pretty close to perfect.

Source: shop.davidcole.me via MaryNeff on Pinterest

The coolest gift for my lego loving/ deer hunter nephew.

Source: ascuteasabutton.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Just ordered these for my turquoise Tulle coat. Must be on an anchor kick?

Sparkle Party

2011-11-30T07:25:00.001-06:00

I am very rarely home during the afternoons, so imagine my surprise when I realized that this went on in my dining room around 4pm...

And THAT is why you have

disco balls in the house.

Found: Dream Kitchen

2011-11-29T08:15:00.000-06:00

Kitchens are awesome in general. The whole mess about people gathering in the kitchen... all true stuff. Plus, food lives in the kitchen, and I love food.
I am completely happy with my kitchen remodel, done almost 3 years ago. I love the colors, the layout, the concrete countertops, the sofa, the massive refrigerator... It is an extremely happy place for me.
I love daydreaming about kitchens I might have for myself or design for others one day.. marble countertops, duel ovens, walk in/ organized pantries...
but I have never been knocked out impressed by a photo of a kitchen until the Dec/ Jan issue of House Beautiful.
This is a little out of the ordinary, but I do believe it is my dream kitchen:

This is against every thing I thought I wanted in a kitchen, aesthetically, but I am in love with it. I love the one floating shelf (wouldn't that be gorgeous with a row of big fishing weights?).. but even more so all the closed storage. The Eames chairs look comfortable to sit in for hours. And Slate countertops? Done. With an open floor plan, I would have a cozy living area to the right and the dining room with my Mia's Danish dining table nearby.

Calm and Rowdy all at the same time.

What is wild is that it is perfect for my mid- century ranch dream house down the street (that I have never been in, by the way, but will own one day).

Tis the Season

2011-11-24T21:33:00.001-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen... It's now officially...
CHRISTMAS!!!
Lord, Thanksgiving dinner was awesome. Seriously. I feel for you people who are stuck with turkey. Our hunting camp cook makes The. Best. Fried. Deer. Meat. EVER. It's the cutest when my 6 year old niece wants more for dessert. I don't blame her.. I did steal off her plate.
But after the ever eventful Christmas Card Extravaganza of (Enter Year Here.. they are all something else).. I booted myself back home to get to work.
Definitely not done (Too short to hang my disco balls. Miserable Fail).. but put a good dent in Holiday 2011 Decorating.

Of course, a little bourbon and ginger and some White Stripes/ Nirvana/ Bobby Bare Jr/ Bob Dylan. mix on the iTunes didn't hurt a bit. Niether did the fact that Tallulah fits in soooo well with my Christmas Decor. Thanks for joining the party, Girl.

I'm thinking disco balls and more deer heads. I have two spray painted in the carport as we speak.

PS.. I have decided the devil is living in my tree and cuts random lights out. See those two rows of darkness? Get Out Of My Tree, Satan!

I'm a Winter

2011-11-23T06:49:00.000-06:00

Did your Mother have this book?

My mother and my Mia both did.
When the three of us shopped, which happened quite often before I started kindergarten, we knew only to look at "our color" clothes.
We are all three "Winters". {PS.. we also show up in the same colors/ outfit to this day when meeting for lunch} My cousins on the other hand were "Autumns", which made passing clothes down a little tricky.

Sidenote: One of my favorite bookstores, McCormicks Book Inn, in Greenville, is closing. While it is extremely sad to me, it was a good excuse to rack up on Christmas presents. Mainly To Myself. A Stack of Walker Percy hardbacks, people. Merry Christmas to me!!

I did pick up a copy of Color Me Beautiful for a friend who was raised the same way.. though as a Summer... she looks amazing in a light blue. and a pastel.
Flipping through the book before I passed it on made me think.. What if we decorated our homes for OUR season...
What if successfully decorated homes already ARE?
Looking around my own home, I have recently changed things to the colors I actually wear the most of.. subconsiously?? Who knows.
Blacks, whites, teals, reds, blues. Pure bright colors. Colors of a Winter.
Would you be happier in colors that you looked the best in? Both on your body AND in your home??
It would look a little something like this...
Summer:

Source: bellemaison23.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: coastalliving.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: housetohome.co.uk via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Spring:

Source: Uploaded by user via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: thedecorista.tumblr.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: honestlywtf.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Autumn:

Source: p-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: delightbydesign.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Winter:

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: elledecor.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Do you know your "colors"?
What season are you?
Want to borrow the book? It will change your life.
Promise.

Twas the night before...

2011-11-22T08:17:00.000-06:00

Speaking of the Weddin'... I have been trusted (ohgoodgodthatmakesmenervous!!!) with decorating for the rehearsal dinner. I've been knee- deep in planning for the last few weeks and cannot wait until the big day before the big day to start implementing all my plans. It has been so much fun.
Main Plan: Complete happiness for two of my favorite friends.
Second: Rustic and Elegant.. with bowls and bowls of Chicken Rotel. (SeriouslyAmazing)
Just some of my inspiration pics on this Monday morning..

Source: pinterest.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: s151.photobucket.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: weddings.theknot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: brides.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

The Countdown begins!

This is Happening....

2011-11-18T16:30:00.000-06:00

in just a few hours..

These girls.

(sadly minus one, but adding another!!)

Together.

In Oxford.

ARE.

YOU.

READY????

Wednesday Night Dinner

2011-11-17T07:51:00.001-06:00

Last night, the greatest group of girls got together to smash peppermints and melt chocolate to make peppermint bark for Laura Merrill's Weddin'. I have never seen such aggression taken out on some peppermints before.
It was an absolute hit.. if you are so lucky to get an invite to her and her man's shin- dig, please don't forget to pick up a bag of bark on your way out.

Another hit?
Cheeseburger Chowder.

It's from the Delta Magazine Cookbook... which if you don't have a copy yet, you are missing out!

Disco Fever

2011-11-16T07:52:00.001-06:00

Source: newyorksocialdiary.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Oh, Disco balls. How I love you so...
I think they are totally underused.
I only bring mine out during the holiday I'm not speaking of yet.
Things are going to change.

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

I hate to copy. But lets be honest. We all get our ideas from somewhere.
You can steal the fact that I use mine as a tree topper.
But December 26th, at least one is finding a permanant home somewhere in the house.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Amber on Pinterest

I may need more disco balls.
This might become an addiction.
I'm fine with that.

Today

2011-11-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm so busy I don't know what to do with myself.
My to- do list has to- do lists.
I promise to write more blog- worthy things this week,
but I must first kick today's ass.

Obsession: Opaline

2011-11-14T07:22:00.001-06:00

Last year, while shopping with my mother in Jackson, I found and fell in love with these gorgeous pieces of glass called Opaline. I had never seen it before (how had I missed it??) but knew I needed some in my life.
Fast forward a year, and I found myself at a photo shoot for the magazine. In the bedroom of this amazing home was the greatest little collection on green opaline "caskets" that once upon a time held sugar or sometimes were used as a form of gift wrapping.
The color was beautiful! And while they are not huge pieces, they can totally stand on their own. Of course, I would go for the turquoise, but I truely wouldn't be so picky!

Bulls Eye!

2011-11-10T07:38:00.000-06:00

Don't you love Target? I miss living in a town where I can spend a good hour or so lost in that store for absolutely no reason but to be there. Toting a Starbucks around. Filling up your cart with random crap only to edit down to 3 things when you're checking out.
Want to love Target even more than you do right now?
Really?

Bam.

Seriously.
Ghost Chairs.
With or without arms.
In Clear, White, Black, or Amber.

And now, see them in action.

{Traditional Home}

Yes.
The mix of gorgous antiques (that chest!) and big box store.
Wow.
Bulls Eye.

Case of the Wants: Charms

2011-11-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

Lesson 1: Pinterest is great. Period. But especially great for Christmas shopping.
Lesson 2: If you are not careful, Pinterest can make you start shopping for YOURSELF for Christmas instead of others.
This has happened.
I "remembered" I needed a charm.
Lesson 3: The price of gold has gone UP! My wrist needs security.

Source: worldofcharms.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Sidenote: Do you know why I named my blog A Charming Day? This was from my very first post in January 2010:
"I chose the title "A Charming Day" because I am rarely without my charm bracelet (seen above). My mother gave me this bracelet 3 years ago with one charm, her debutaunte crest from 1970. The bracelet makes me smile every time I look at it. It is a collection of memories of the places and people that have changed my life. Hopefully this blog will reflect the same."

Book Review

2011-11-07T08:06:00.004-06:00

Because sometimes I need a little "happy", and I had not bought a design book in forever...
I picked this up at Turnrow a few weeks ago...

I flipped through it that afternoon, but I had not had a second to really sit down with it until yesterday.

{Thank you, time change!}

LOVE IT!

Why?

A. It's realistic. Even if I don't have a 500 square foot apt in NYC or a 5000 square foot house in Colorado, I am inspired by these spaces. It's all about being creative, folks.

B. The Before and Afters are AWESOME.

I need more time in my day to paint furniture.

C. Everyone loves an acrylic table.

D. I am making a terrarium.

Great sectional, but pops of pink are my favorite!

{ok.. this is when I got lazy and just took photos of the book with my camera. sorry.}

That tile is beautiful.. and would love that door!

Nothing like a well done built- in.

I want that tiny little library sconce.

Gold chair, duh.

Even better? Those door pulls.

I don't think suzanis ever go out of style.

I would love this in an outside room...

Fabric on walls.

To match the seats.

Definitely not overkill.

New Love= Cane

It's happening.

I'm not even through with the book yet...

Case of the Wants: Christmas Edition Volume 1

2011-11-04T07:43:00.001-05:00

I'm not going to talk about Christmas anymore until after Thanksgiving. I'm going to relish in this holiday instead of skipping to the next. I actually like Thanksgiving better anyway... if just for the fried deer meat. Instead of turkey, please and thank you.
That being said, I am going to throw out ~~one~~ two little pieces of Christmas perfection from Anthropologie before turning my focus completely on Thanksgiving.
First,

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the coolest tree skirt ever.
Ever.

Ever.

Could I mix it with disco balls?

Yes.

And white deer heads?

Duh.

I. Want. It.

Instead, I will be purchasing this.

Because they are awesome and I love Christmas music.

And I can afford it.

Mississippi Christmas

2011-11-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

The latest issue of Mississippi Magazine is out! If you are ready to be put in the holiday spirit, you need to pick up a copy. It gets better and better each month and continues to make me so proud to be a part of this magazine...
Check out these beautifully thrown parties... one by a former Greenville couple (!), plus recipes from Luis Bruno, the chef formerly at the Governors Mansion and now at the Mississippi Museum of Art. YUM.

Then flip back to drool over the gorgeous aqua tufted sofa in this Jackson home..

And if you are looking for the perfect Delta touch to your home this Christmas... Head to my friend Anna's shop in Indianola, The Carriage House, and pick up this awesome wreath.

(Your man would be so impressed)

This will totally put you in the spirit!

If you don't have a subscription, Shame on You!
Go pick up an issue..

NOW.

Sneak Peek: Last Night

2011-11-01T07:56:00.001-05:00

While most of you were out trick or treating... I spent last night searching my entire house for a flat head screwdriver. No kidding. I at least had a bourbon and ginger ale while doing so, but it was pretty lame. 2 hours of searching. 2 hours. If you were a flat head screwdriver, where would you be? Not in the box that says "Tools" in my laundry room. Not in the storage room. Oh yeah, in the drawer that I keep my office supplies (and other randomness) in. Duh.

I dorkily jumped up and down (not a lie) when I found it (actually two of them) and did a little "woooo whoooo!!!!" then set out to update this little baby for my office.

The credenza didn't need much.. {as you remember from this post}.. but when I moved it to the opposite wall,it was covering up a floor vent. So my dad made and sent these great feet to get it off the ground..

And a dash of gold to the pulls to brighten them up...

Before:

After:

Styled:

{Seashells to remind me of the beach}

{Me in my Rosiland Wilcox painting}

My office is really coming along. I am finally feeling inspired to fix it up! Don't you hate when you aren't "feeling" it? Hopefully more to show soon.

My Monday Present

2011-10-31T07:32:00.002-05:00

Source: decorpad.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

This could be the greatest Ikea hack ever. Maybe not, but in my humble opinion, it's pretty awesome.
Even more awesome? The fact that I'm probably going to be late to work because I'm addicted to this blog.. She created the dresser and is Hi- larious.
You're welcome.

To Market, To Market...

2011-10-28T08:13:00.003-05:00

Miss me? I just returned last night from High Point Market in NC. It was one of the coolest design experiences ever...
Anything you would ever want to see furniture- wise in one little town. It was definitely a sensory overload, but just so exciting to soak it all in!

Warning: there are a lot of photos... I just couldn't bare to narrow it down.

Beautiful Bookcase... backwards books.

Plus I love a turtle house.

Server.. for my house

Settee for girl's room

The most beautiful sofa at Henredon.

That pleat is fan.tas.tic.

Tree of Life chest

Look at the back of this sofa.

Beautiful.

Don't normally go for distressed. LOVE this though.

Love this console.

Great contrast/ interesting piece.

Gold and Grey: New Fave Combo

I think this is when I said "Hancock and Moore is definitely NOT boring"

Fabric on the walls.

I kept seeing this pattern.

Would go great in my living room.

Gothic headboard. BAM.

Painted. Distressed.

Painted Hardware.

Dance Party Table at Brownstone

Color.

Teal leather chair at Belle Meade.

The most perfect color.
Plus that bedside.

Pretty Pretty Pretty.
Love that pink bench.

Oh, John Richard...

My Chandelier (in my dreams...)

All I want for Christmas
(In Gold, please)

Flaminco Dancer

Great arrangement of cotton.

Exhausting, huh? It was just an inspirational trip!

I feel ready to take over the world...

if I could just finish my coffee and get ready for work!

65 days...

2011-10-20T10:56:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? I still think it should be July, but there are 65 days until Christmas. I know this because I went to Paul Micheals and bought more ornaments for my tree. Paul Micheals always reminds me that Christmas is coming. Usually in September, when they start decorating.
I would like a white tree this year, by the way.
Probably not going to happen.
But if it did, it would be awesome.

{photo here}

Like this, but with disco balls.

Do you hate me for bringing up Christmas already??

Ready or not, here it comes.

Left Behind

2011-10-19T07:44:00.001-05:00

Do you ever find the perfect piece of furniture... that you just don't need? Or have a place for? Or can't even place it in someone else's house.. because A. no one you know needs it or B. no one would love it as much?
I did.

I stood in front of it for a good 20 minutes, reconsidering every piece of furniture already in my house.
It's beautiful. The top and the legs need refinishing but the front is gorgeous. The top lifts up for silver storage. It's a little too low to be a buffet in my dining room, or I would have snatched it up. It would be awesome as a bar...
Do you want? need? have to have?

Top 5 Tuesday

2011-10-18T08:19:00.002-05:00

I love Tuesdays off. I would love Saturdays off more. Hell, I would love to just work out of my home. But regardless, a Tuesday off is good stuff.
Heading to the big town of Greenville today... to shop and eat and hang out with my grandparents and parents... and my dads crazy ass dog.
Other than that fabulous day- trip... here are 5 things making me happy this week.

New Stationary. It's like the first day of school and you get to open that new pack of paper. New stationary makes me want to write thank you notes. Seriously. My mother totally hooked me up with her cool chevron stripe.. and can you stand the font on embossed? Love it.

It's that time of year when I cut the AC off and refuse to turn the heat on. Not that we need either today, but I can't stand to be chilly in my own house.

Luckily, I have a 104 year old great grandmother who rocks out these gorgeous afghans. (Maybe not anymore, but I have a huge basketful) This is my newest one that I am completely in love with, given to me by my grandmother's sister.

In less than a week, I will be here! While I am already planning for complete exhaustion, I am PUMPED. Love this quote from Dwell.com, "Serious retail home furnishings buyers can be found in High Point twice a year because if you can’t find it in High Point…it probably doesn’t exist."

Nice.

I know I have been talking/ obsessing about monograms lately. And while I am definitely more hippie than prep, I am in loooooove with this sweater and the monogram placement. I'm taking a sweater today to have it done. I'm not totally sure about color choice yet, so we will see what happens!

Also on my long list of things to do in Greenville today... Go by my container and raid it for office accessories. These beautiful gems were from The Help. Not used anywhere that I remember, but bought by the set dec department and then by me.
My container might be today's best shopping ever.

Have a great day!

Two Things

2011-10-14T11:48:00.002-05:00

I love Bowie.

And this could be the greatest quote ever.

I love fainting goats.
I want to get Frida one for a pet.

Lightening Up: Dining Room Edition

2011-10-13T07:28:00.002-05:00

I realized that I never showed my dining room with it's new paint color. This room is definately a more drastic change since it went from Livingston Gold to Papaya..

Exciting, right? Love how it turned out....

Papaya really is a great color, and I would highly recommend it. It changes throughout the day from cream to a light gold to an off white. I cannot tell you the HUGE difference lightening up has made to the house... it seems bigger and newer and more feminine all in one.

{Sidenote: I almost had that .. "I'm Finished!" moment in the dining room that NEVER happens, until I realized I still need a new light fixture/ existing one lowered and that buffet is too small or needs to be painted.Uggg. My work is never done.}

Alien Flowers

2011-10-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know....

What these crazy flower things are??

I found them at the Wal-Mart.

They look like cabbages that have exploded into the perfect red- orange poof.

They make me very happy.

I'll send you a bunch if you can tell me what they are.
Nah. I really won't.
But they were only $5,

so you should get yourself some.

Guest Post: Design Shuffle

2011-10-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

I’m Susi, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online community for decorators, interior designers, home owner and other design professionals to share inspiration, showcase their design projects and network. It's a great website for finding inspiration and discovering trends. One trend I've been seeing on Design Shuffle and design blogs is ombre. Ombre is a gradated blend of colors from light to dark. It is like a paint strip come to life in textiles and wall treatments. I've pulled together some examples of the ombre trend in interior design. What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Already have it?

Ombre can be a subtle gradation from light to dark, as seen in the pillowcases on this bed. Love the blend of light to dark shades.This painted chest of drawers has a lovely ombre front. Each drawer is painted in a graduated hue to create the ombre effect.An ombre yellow shower curtain adds color to this neutral bathroom. This ruffled ombre shower curtain can be created in lovely colors to match lots of bathroom designs.How gorgeous is this ombre chandelier made from paint swatches? Check out the DIY project on Hey Gorgeous. So pretty.Color dipped pillow cases create a lovely purple ombre look for a bedroom. This is another clever yet simple DIY project.You can create an ombre look by collecting glass or ceramics in gradated hues of the same color. These green glass vases would look gorgeous on a bookshelf.While many ombres go from white into a saturated color, some go from color to black or brown. This gorgeous pillow is a mix of deep, saturated reds.Ombre fabric makes a dramatic statement as floor to ceiling curtains in this living room. Need more decorating ideas for living rooms to showcase this current trend? Ombre can also be used in upholstery as well as in accent textiles such as pillows, rugs and curtains. [ Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]Want more decorating ideas? Come check out Design Shuffle, a social media site where Los Angeles interior designers to New York interior designers showcase their work for all to see and be inspired by.

Add it to the To- Do list...

2011-10-10T07:46:00.000-05:00

I know I've said it before, but you really might find me painting a black and white "tile" floor in my carport soon... and hanging drapes.
Wouldn't you love coming home to something like that?

Monograms

2011-10-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

Source: brynalexandra.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

I repinned this photo this morning after the shower curtain caught my sleepy eye... and then noticed that rockin' monogram on the towel! That in turn made me start thinking about getting my own monogram done... in a professional, one of a kind, almost like a logo/ crest type monogram kind of way.
Where to start??
Duh.
Leontine Linens.

Oh, they know a monogram.

I think I have some pretty creative graphic designer

friends that could help a sista out though.

Anyone up for the challange??

I love the concept of combining

the M and 2 N's like this..

but more interesting.

Art Alfresco 2011

2011-10-05T07:26:00.002-05:00

By now you know, I am a big fan of my little town of Greenwood. Tomorrow night is one of my all time favorite events downtown... it's on up there with the Christmas Parade (58 days and counting)... Art Alfresco.
If you're not familiar, you are missing out and should definitely make plans to attend.
Shop, sip, check out local art, eat dinner... all on the newly renovated Howard Street.
A perfect evening.

Hope to see you out and about!

Check out the list of artists participating here.

Lightening Up: Living Room Edition

2011-10-04T08:08:00.001-05:00

So it's done!

Thanks to my mother "making" me hire a painter

who got everything done while I was at work one day....

We have gone lighter.

I feel like I've gone blond..

but in a "goes with my coloring" sort of way.

I LOVE the lighter color of the living room.

I did have a OhMyGodThisIsOldLady moment,

but after the artwork went back on the walls I was all better.

Should have done this long ago.....

{Click HERE to see the room pre- paint}

Delta Drivin'

2011-10-03T06:59:00.000-05:00

I have two friends, Loren and Josh, who are like brother and sister/ sidekicks that consistently crack me up and come up with the best ways to waste time.... as in "Let's start a bike gang" or "Let's see how much cream cheese we can put in these enchiladas".
So, when on a Thursday afternoon, "Let's ride around, drink beer and take pictures" comes across my text. I'm IN.
There is not much better in my world that riding back roads in the Delta. Period. Except for riding back roads in the delta with cool people, cool music, a cool beverage and my cool big girl camera. And while we don't get a very long fall around these parts, it's nice to have shots like these to remember it by.....

{please do not reproduce these images without my permission. gracias!}

That's Awesome.

2011-09-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

Source: gardendrama.wordpress.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

DUDE.

Happy Friday!

2011-09-29T07:14:00.000-05:00

So the new little chest has found a home at my back door... I decided to hold off on the painting. It was just refinished, so I am letting it live like that for a while.

Then it might go red- orange.

Changing My Mind

2011-09-28T07:33:00.002-05:00

Somewhere in the depths of this blog, I might have mentioned how I looooooved color, and I would never, ever have a light, neutral wall, and I didn't understand people who would.
So.... This is me, eating my words.

Yes, I'm a little nervous.

I'm going with Papaya (the one on top)

so there is some actual color and depth.

Painting starts tomorrow!

Top 5 Tuesday

2011-09-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

These are the things that are making me smile this week...

This is coming to my house today by way of my lovely mother... who is also taking me to lunch. Not 100% sure what I'm going to do with it/ where it might live, but I love a good challenge. And those pulls look like moustaches and That's. Awesome.

My boys won Sunday. I danced all over the house. I had a few small heart attacks... but they might have been from the bag of Zapps I ate in their honor. Who Dat!

I finally uploaded pictures from Florida.. So here is the proof that my 32 year old ass survived the Flora Bama yet again. In cowboy boots no less. With the Bushwhackers that Anna said were a "great idea". We did look pretty good though...

I think this is what I'm going to try in my living/ dining room. Papaya by Ben Moore. I was a big girl and called two painters for estimates.. then immediately realized that I would NOT be paying someone to paint my house and that I have really fun friends that might be getting paid in pizza and beer. Thanks.

And last, but not least...

Our fabulous friends Kristen and Gray got married this weekend! We had an absolute blast.. it was an honor to be a part of it!

Combo: Turquoise and Green

2011-09-26T07:45:00.001-05:00

More and more lately, I am seeing the turquoise and green color combination. This makes me happy since I STARTED IT. Just kidding, but I am rocking my teal sofa and big green lamps together, and I love the look. Aqua, citron, moss, teal...it works with any variation.

Source: porterhousedesigns.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: design-seeds.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: google.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Happy...

2011-09-23T08:37:00.005-05:00

Happy First Day of Fall!!
I'm so ready for boots and scarves and bourbon!

Have a fabulous day...

Not there yet...

2011-09-22T07:43:00.000-05:00

I'm slowly but surely working on my office this week... moving furniture around while multitasking my way through my two page to- do list. I am getting the general layout planned, and I love this image for inspiration...

Source: google.ca via MaryNeff on Pinterest

I have an issue with a hvac vent on my floor that would be covered by my credenza. Wouldn't greek key "legs" like these be great to raise the piece up a bit?

Guest Post: Arcadian Lighting

2011-09-21T07:16:00.001-05:00

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting originally started selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online with its first website and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products. Visit their website and cool blog for more information. Enjoy!

Decorating with driftwood is a big trend in coastal design. From organic driftwood wreaths to contemporary driftwood lighting, the pale wood's sculptural quality adds a natural element to any room. While driftwood is a natural choice for coastal style, it can also work in other décor styles, like modern and contemporary. Here is some driftwood décor to inspire you.
A driftwood wreath is a simple, organic sculptural design element. These wreaths are an easy DIY project that have loads of coastal style.

Apartment Therapy via

Like the driftwood wreath, this group of mirrors has an organic starburst shape. Hang a larger version over the sink in the powder room or above a console table in the foyer.

Completely Coastal via

A side table with a driftwood base and a glass top brings a modern, organic element to a living room or bedroom. The driftwood base is very sculptural.

Crate & Barrel via

Incorporating natural elements into room design is a hot trend right now. Driftwood light fixtures come in a range of styles and shapes to suit a variety of decors.

Dornob via

This driftwood covered glass hurricane shade is no longer available from Anthropologie but could be easily replicated by a clever DIYer. Imagine the shadows and light when the candle is lit.

Anthropologie via

Driftwood bowls are small sculptures for your coffee table, console table or self. They are also perfect for holding other natural elements like pine cones, rocks or shells.

Fawbush Schulz via

This gorgeous driftwood lamp is a DIY project that can be easily duplicated using simple modern lamps as the bases. The organic driftwood looks wonderful against the ornate giltwood mirror.

Sweet Something Design via

The sculptural quality of driftwood makes it a great choice for a centerpiece for a dining table or coffee table. Adding candles turns it into a natural candelabra.

Bliss Living Home via

Today's post brought to you by Arcadian Lighting. Explore even more brilliant light fixture and design ideas by visiting their site today!

Top 5 Tuesday

2011-09-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Back into the rotation....
Top 5 Tuesdays!
Here are the things that are making me smile this week....

This is a copy of the oil painting that hangs in my granddaddy's office. His cousin painted it of Mary Jane, who lived on their land. I spent a lot of time in my grandfather's chair looking at this painting. I love walking in my back door and seeing it now.

Just a tiny hint of whats to come in my office. It's going to be awesome. My desk is huge.. I'm pretty sure I could dance on it.

Stacks of paint chips in my Vietri bowl for an art project. It is taking a lot of my patience but will be supercool when finished.

Half dozen raw with an ice cold beer in my swimsuit overlooking the Gulf with one of my best friends.

And just because... Frida's latest photo shoot. Such a poser.

Heading to Starkville for a project today! Have a great one...

I'm Ready, Monday

2011-09-19T07:36:00.000-05:00

Deeeeeeep Breath.....
And I'm back! Sorry for the complete drop off the face of the earth last week (and kinda the week before). I am now refreshed and ready to go, with a mile long to- do list to prove it.
Can I hire an intern? Not kidding.
I have pictures and projects and even a guest blogger this week. But Monday just gets a little "pretty"... my run got rained on this morning and the sky now looks like the color of these walls. Beautiful.

photo via A Perfect Gray

Doesn't this room just scream French Quarter? Like you know the light is coming from opened french doors to a courtyard filled with jasmine and gardenias? Where the owner is sitting at the perfect iron table enjoying a Pimm's cup? No, Just me? Anyway. I Love it. I think the contrast of the rough and glamorous is dead on.

PS. the rain didn't stop me too much... Pandora gave me Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah so I kept going. Did anyone see the version on the Emmy's last night?
I think that might be my favorite song.

Have a fabulous day.
I'm going to kick Monday in the face.

In a nice, ladylike way.

I like

2011-09-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

this mantle arrangement. Those branches are good creepy.

Plus I like her lucite table and ginormous shell.

I want a ginormous shell.

Sometimes I wish I had glass doors on my bookshelves.

That is all.

Who Dat!

2011-09-08T12:47:00.001-05:00

I have a serious case of writers block,

have 2 articles due this week,

plus throwing two fantastic friends a party

this weekend..

so I apologize for the lack of posts.
I DO plan on taking a break,

at least for a little while

tonight to cheer on my boys...
WHO DAT!

GEAUX SAINTS!

Day Off.

2011-09-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

It is the most perfect fall day here... {Cross your fingers that it will last!} I had the best walk *in a long sleeved tee*, have napped AND cleaned the house.
Have a fabulous day... I'm off to celebrate mine!

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Ta- Da!!!

2011-09-02T07:53:00.000-05:00

The new Mississippi Magazine is out... and look who's moving up in the world!

Did you see it??

I'm obviously doing something right over there,

because they asked me to be the Homes Editor!

Which means I will be doing a lot more of this.....

Ta- Da!

{Thank God I have a blog,

they might frown at the amount of times I can say

"Ta- Da! or write a completely ridiculous run- on sentence.}

Anyway...

Go get a copy and let me know what you think!

Corked

2011-09-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

I have been doing a lot of semi- permenent changes around the house.. by that I mean, things I can take with me when I move {Not anytime soon!!!} like furniture. There are so many things I have done to help the re- sale value in the past... a new roof, kitchen, bath, etc. One room I haven't touched {nor have you ever seen on this blog} is my guest bath.
Because it is gross.
For Reals.
I don't want to/ can't spend too much money on this room, but I want a lovely, clean, interesting space for my guests when they come to visit.
One thing on my list is to do something... ANYTHING to not see/ get rid of the linoleum floors. They are blue... the same ones who once graced my kitchen... and I hate them.
I am considering these cork penny tiles...

Source: google.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: 3rings.designerpages.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: modwalls.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: modwalls.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: the-house-rules.blogspot.com via Dannie on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Emily on Pinterest

Has anyone used these before? I found a great step- by- step here.. and I am pretty sure I could handle it. I definetely like the darker grout {for me} as opposed to the white.
Thoughts?
Especially from those of you who have seen my guest bathroom???

What On Earth....

2011-08-31T07:50:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think I should be on Hoarders. Mind you, I am a HUGE purger as well... but I love to get stuff. So when I got an email with a picture of this light fixture...

I thought, "Hell Yeah! MINE!"
Now, they (yes, it has a twin) are at my house.

That is fake greenery at the bottom. With possible LED lines criss- crossing their way from top to bottom. And they are greasy. Really Really Greasy.
But I still think they are pretty awesome.... And begging for some spray paint.

A Case of the Wants: Rethinking a Wrist

2011-08-30T07:08:00.001-05:00

My mother has always worn 3 gold bangles on her right wrist. She taught one of my favorite friends, Traci, in the 5th grade who still has flashbacks of the noise my mother made while writing on the chalk board. She loves it.
I have for years rocked out on my left wrist my watch, the bangle my sister- in- law gave me when I got married, and my charm bracelet (which this blog was named for!). Lately I have been considering adding on to that wrist....
Because isn't this awesome?

Source: etsy.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

{Amy Bell, This is calling your name!! I will be the first to order if you rock out a gold/ friendship bracelet!}

Source: classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Leather. A must have... or a snakeskin...

Source: couldihavethat.blogspot.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Color and Mixed metals.

Source: luellajune.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: mackenziehoran.com via Jordan on Pinterest

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

This is one of those times where More is More.

I can't decide whether to go shopping or to start braiding string.

Have a fabulous Tuesday! I have the day off...

and my mom is coming to play!

Cord Issue Solved

2011-08-29T08:25:00.000-05:00

modern home office design by dc metro interior designer Nicole Lanteri

As I said a few weeks ago, I am turning my old den into my home office. Things are moving on along.. and hopefully I will be able to show the "after" photos soon.
According to the initial plan, I am going to float my new desk in the center of the room, over the cow hide rug. As much as I lovelovelove this idea, I am concerned about the "cord issue".. with my laptop and possible lamp/ lamps... not a fan of the mess.
Pinterest saves the day again... isn't this genius?

Source: lh4.ggpht.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

I'm going to look for something with less depth and will have to attach the extention cord to a desk leg, under the rug, etc...
But it's sure nice to have a solution before the problem!

Whoomp There It Is...

2011-08-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

These are things I like... Waking up at dark and walking with Frida in the pitch black with Pandora on my Snoop Dogg station. Snoop rarely disappoints; in fact, this morning, we had a early 90's rap montage that included your favorite and mine,
Tag Team's Whoomp There It Is.
Yes, I was singing while running down Grand Blvd. Judging? I Don't Care. I was reliving 8th grade. Good Stuff. And Frida LOVED it.
Another thing I like... Finding this picture on Pinterest and thinking to send it to my Dad with the subject "Can We Do This?"

And getting the simple response of "Yes."

{My Dad ROCKS, but is sometimes a man of few words}

Fast Forward a few days, and I get the text, "Heading to Greenwood".

Um, Awesome. But Why?

Oh, To Do This:

Whoomp. There it is.

{K.. It's all for your Par-tay tonight!!!}

And Thank you, Pinterest Addiction, for allowing me to find that picture!

The First Step is Admitting You Have a Problem

2011-08-22T07:10:00.000-05:00

I have been on Pintrest for a while now, but it was not until this weekend, while spending quality time with Talulah (and Frida.. who is pretty jealous of the other), that I officially cracked out. It was so bad that I actually got called out yesterday for my amount of pins. Whoops.
Anyway, that place is Awesome with a capital A. Just a peek at what I have found....

Source: gardenandgun.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: tobifairley.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: ohdeedoh.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: sunset.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via MaryNeff on Pinterest

I was obviously feeling outdoorsy... that porch swing/ bed??? And can you believe the glowing tables? I am doing something soon with cotton...
Could this take over my blog addiction? Am I going to call in sick to work today???

New Girl in Town

2011-08-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

After 6 months of shopping and 2 months of patient waiting, Talulah is here!

She is (to me) the most beautiful and comfortable sofa ever. Overall, I am thrilled the way the room is coming along. I have definately decided to go lighter on the walls but am kind of digging the rug! Thoughts?

{And yes, my sofa has a name. Your's doesn't?}

You Read My Mind.

2011-08-15T11:12:00.000-05:00

I couldn't decide if she was the meanest mother ever, or the coolest, when I woke to this photo coming to my BlackBerry yesterday morning....

modern desks design by jonathanadler.com

How can you send the most fabulous desk ever... but that also has a $1750 price tag??? Grrrrrrr. Then she started mentioning welders and leftover metal and completely redeemed herself.
Isn't it beautiful though? It is screaming my name!

Time is on my side...

2011-08-12T07:31:00.000-05:00

I am on week 8 of getting up at 5:45am and walking more than 3 miles before Frida and I stagger home. Yall, it's dark now at 5:45 am. It's still dark at 6am. But I love it. I love the smell. I love the coolness. I love the people I see that early.... yes there are people up and about that early! Who knew??
I love more than anything, the time I have after my walk to be at my house. It is clean and quiet, and I have nothing in the world to do...
And that early, even in the Mississippi Delta hot hellishness that is August, my birthday patio with my rose bushes, is the perfect place for coffee.

Happy Friday everybody.. It's been a great long week.

I am ready for champagne drinks tonight!

Breakfast Room Install

2011-08-10T07:14:00.000-05:00

I have been working on this breakfast room for months.. and finally got to install yesterday!

{my companion for the day, Buddy!}

Sneak Peek..

2011-08-09T07:35:00.000-05:00

Just a peek at what my day looks like!

FreeStyling

2011-08-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

I did a little "re- styling" over the weekend.. just patiently awaiting the arrival of Talulah. The color scheme is changing drastically in the living room.. from reds, olives, and golds.. to Teal/Turquoise, Olive and a little shot of red.
The shelves and mantle needed updating.

2 More Weeks!