The Lovely Lifestyle

I got it at Goodwill

thelovelylifestyle — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:30:48 +0000

I got something for you!

Here is the finished console.

The only things not from Goodwill are the painting, the lampshades, the willow sticks and our personal items (shoes, sunglasses, engagement photo). I took a lot of care into making sure I showed items only from Goodwill. Frankly, I feel like I could have found some art from Goodwill if I had more time. I’m really proud of the outcome. Sure, I’ve told myself I could have been better here and there. However, I know I did pretty good for my first time.

This was me when we finished the “after” shoot. It’s how I let my mother know I was done, it went fine and what I wore.

I look so forward to working with the team again. If anything, they get my humor and love The Colonel. He misses them.

This was The Colonel when we finished the “after” shoot.

Get it at Goodwill!

thelovelylifestyle — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:17:05 +0000

I’m really proud to say that I was asked to work with Goodwill on their “Get it at Goodwill” video series which is part of their larger “I got it at Goodwill” campaign.

The video will be posted later today on their Facebook wall, Twitter feed and YouTube Channel. Additionally, it will be on Tumblr. Follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter so you’ll be the first to know when it’s out there and you can see me trying to be cool.

It was my first time “on camera” and I definitely need to loosen up for our future videos. However, it was a great experience. I loved the team from Goodwill, their faith and trust in me and so honored to be asked. I love decorating and commonly use Goodwill treasures in my own designs.

Currently, I’m working on a list of future video topics/areas of the home that I think would be interesting and fun. Please share with me any of your ideas! Also, submit and share your Goodwill finds here.

Weekly Thoughts

thelovelylifestyle — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:30:35 +0000

We had a lot going on last week and this weekend. I keep reminding myself of this:

The Mister loved this map of Nashville from the 60s and bought it. Now, we’re making wall space.

Bates Nursery has everything at 15% off till June 20. The Colonel was exhausted with the heat. He gave up at one point and crawled under the ground covering display to cool off.

The Mister was given an answering machine. We still have a landline and he decided we should use to “see if anyone calls us.” The answer to that curiosity is “no.” I don’t even know our home phone number. He recorded the greeting and I didn’t like it. You can hear it (and my criticism in the background here.) We’re keeping it.

The video I have been working on goes live tomorrow. Expect a post. I wish I could share the bloopers with you. Here’s a screenshot.

Heath Ceramics

thelovelylifestyle — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:30:39 +0000

We went to San Francisco last month for vacation. You’ll hear more about it in a series of posts next week – too many photos for one. On our Saturday morning we went to the Ferry Building. We made sure to arrive early so we could experience the farmers market. We ate some food (amazing food), shopped and I found Heath Ceramics. I was quickly smitten.

I probably walked around this display four times.

Then, I picked up a lot of these.

I opened and closed these pieces by Sara Garner a few times. They were so soft.

Not only did I admire the tableware, but I admired the tile. I wish I had photos of the register but I thought that was a little weird to take photos of.

I didn’t think I was going to rob them or something. I don’t want their money, just their pottery.

Heath Ceramics started in 1948 by Edith Heath in Sausalito, California. They have a crew of 45 craftspeople (many have been there for over 20 years) and they make every product. This is from their webiste:

Edith Heath (1911–2005) founded Heath Ceramics in 1948 after her solo pottery show at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor. She was a talented ceramicist with a great respect for craft and material, and a strong point of view on the product that her company would make — simple, good things for good people.

Edith’s passion for ceramics led to advances in clay and glaze development, which secured Heath its unique place in ceramics history. Her pieces were designed to enjoy a single kiln firing, at a lower than normal temperature, thus saving energy, while remarkably producing a durable and non-porous product. This Great Depression mentality motivated her to design and produced long-lasting products with integrity, in a responsible manner.

The pieces are so beautiful and simple. Iconic. While we were in San Fransisco, we met up with a long time friend of mine and her beautiful family. (Seriously, she has the most beautiful little girl to ever face Earth.) They took us to Napa and I gave her a green bud vase in appreciation. It was a good gift, especially because I didn’t get anything for myself. However, I can’t stop thinking about their pieces and my experience with them. I can remember their touch and weight. Seriously, I have it bad. Just look at those handles!

Like any crush, I decided to search for them online. Thier Neutra house numbers are gorgeous. I’d love to have a set but it’d be painful leaving them behind.

They sell some dinnerware sets. I like the Coupe line in the Spring colors.

More of the Coupe line here.

I’ll need to wait and buy full sets of the above. However, I ‘d like to start with getting serving pieces in Onyx. Here are some of my favorites in case any of you have the Santa Claus hook up.

12×12 Serving Platter

Tell Santa that I’ve been real nice.

Weekly Thoughts

thelovelylifestyle — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:30:03 +0000

We had dinner with my parents for Momma’s birthday. She went out with some clients and friends on her actual day.

We should all hope for her skin.

Speaking of pretty ladies, I saw Carrie Underwood last night at CMA Fan Fair. She had a cute headband that was very much on the festival style trend. I tried to take a photo.

Use your imagination and tune in when it airs on ABC.

This lady isn’t lovely, but you need to watch her. Seriously, watch her.

Always remember, “It’s better to be punching into space than in your face.”

Good v Bad Country

thelovelylifestyle — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:30:19 +0000

In honor of CMA Fest this weekend and Wednesday’s post, we’re gonna take a look at what good country is and what bad country is.

BAD COUNTRY WALLPAPER:

here

Where are those ducks going in that hat? How did they all find the same hat? Are they part of the Red Hat Society?

GOOD COUNTRY WALLPAPER:

here

This is adorable. So adorable.

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BAD COUNTRY WREATH:

here

Is it just me or does this look like the back of girl’s head that wears pigtails? All I see are pigtails.

GOOD COUNTRY WREATH:

here

A little galvanized bucket action.

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BAD COUNTRY GINGHAM COUCH:

here

There is a lot of plaid going on here and I like mixing patterns.

GOOD COUNTRY GINGHAM COUCH:

here

This photo is originally from Country Living.

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BAD COUNTRY DRAPES:

here

They’re on sale for $71.99 and four have sold. Sweet Lord.

GOOD COUNTRY DRAPES:

here

Burlap drapes have to be full.

EVEN BETTER COUNTRY DRAPES:

here

You can be country and like Greek Key details. In my world of country you can. You don’t have to but it’d be best if you were open to it.

Country meets the 1920s

thelovelylifestyle — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:30:47 +0000

I saw an old friend weeks ago at The Color Run. (Hey Ashley Elizabeth!) She told me that she reads the blog and I asked her what her style was. The response was “country meets the 1920s.” I’ve never heard that, and I want to know more.

A lot of people are scared of country decor and I can understand why. However, there is such a thing as modern country. Country Living, Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens provides us with fresh takes on what country decor can be. It’s not all wallpaper borders that have ducks with blue ribbons or puffy valences trimmed in lace.

I was inspired to dig around and see what I could find that may be “country meets the 1920s.” The image below was the best of what I found. There is a great mix going on. The couch is a bright floral, but it’s not “Dusty Rose.” (I dig this couch.) Chinoiserie art flanks an old set of doors. The coffee table is an old trunk but it has a great color and a trim detail.

here

I’d love to hear or see what your take on “country meets the 1920s” is. Of course, I’m going to invite myself to Ashley Elizabeth’s place.

Do you have any favorite country decor pictures?

Weekly Thoughts

thelovelylifestyle — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:30:37 +0000

Last week’s shooting went okay. This week I have some more to do. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do more and become more comfortable.

here

They sent me a blooper reel and it’s pretty funny. It’s a great summary of my akwardness. However, I can’t help but think I really should have lost fifty pounds. The Mister doesn’t like me saying this. He’s right - I’m absolutely my worst critic. Plus, I was critical on some other small things on the reel. I have to remember the image above.

We had a fairly chill weekend. Saturday, we went to The Porter Flea and there were some great booths. It was easier to navigate at Cornelia Fort Airpark and there were more vendors. Sunday, we worked on painting a console. It took many coats but it’s turning out great.

Dynamic Magenta by Behr’s Home Decorators Collection

I considered a more neutral color – cream or taupe. I showed some of these colors to The Mister and he made a face. Then, he had some wise words, “I figured you would do something else.” He meant something brighter and more colorful. He continued, “You should do something more adventurous and that you’d enjoy. It should be more you.” He’s a smart boy and I went with one of my first thoughts of color. I’m really happy with it.

Scarf it up

thelovelylifestyle — Fri, 31 May 2013 11:30:58 +0000

It’s not really the season for scarves, but that’s the reason they are on sale. You need to get while the gettin’ is good. I haven’t worn many scarves lately, but I recently found some beautiful ones from ASOS. Some are oversized. So, you could get crafty and use them as a throw.

ASOS Premium Oversized Stripe Scarf With Embroidery And Pom Detail

ASOS Pom Pom Embellished Digital Print Scarf

ASOS Premium Oversized Woven Aztec Scarf With Poms

ASOS Aztec Print on Oversized Scarf

ASOS Tie Dye Pom Scarf

ASOS Multi Geometric Print Scarf

There are more scarves from ASOS for your consumption. All of the one’s listed above have free shipping – worldwide. It’s always interesting to see where my readers come from. Though most come the United States, I continue to be surprised by my view list. Yesterday, I had people visit from the following countries:

Japan
Canada
India
Australia
Saudi Arabia
Ireland
Tunisia
Germany
Thailand
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Republic of Korea
South Africa
Belgium
Chile

To channel my inner Oprah: You can get a scarf! And you can get a scarf!

To the people of Australia, I need to you to do me a favor. Go to Black and Spiro and take a detailed video of your browsing. I’d like it if the video was as if I was hanging out on your shoulder. Then, tell Anna Spiro that she’s the jam and give her a million high fives.

War Paint Wednesday: Maintenance

thelovelylifestyle — Wed, 29 May 2013 11:30:06 +0000

So, the shoot didn’t happen yesterday. It happens this morning. I showed up in full hair and make up, called my contact and her horrified response was “No, it’s tomorrow.” My response was, “You mean I’m standing here in fake eyelashes for no reason?” It’s my fault. It was originally yesterday but it changed. I consider yesterday a dress rehearsal and it gave me some time for additional maintenance. While getting ready Tuesday morning I realized I should have done the following:

Got a manicure
Waxed my eyebrows
Had my teeth bleached
Lost 50 pounds

My fingernails commonly look bad. My nails have always been weak. They easily break and even peel. Plus, I don’t rub Vitamin E into my nail bed every night, so I’m not a stranger to busted looking cuticles. I’ve had acrylics in the past and have done gel manicures. I don’t like the drills for acrylics and I don’t like the UV light for gel. However, I got a gel manicure yesterday. It looks great and reinforces that I paint my finger nails like a four-year old.

Luckily, I was able to get in and have my brows waxed too. I cannot do my own brows. I physically cannot pluck them. It makes me sick to my stomach. Occasionally, I even feel sickly when a professional does it. Luckily, I keep my brows thick, and I’m told that I have a “perfect brow line,” so I don’t have to go too often.

I go to Therapy Systems in Green Hills and highly suggest them. I have their Wax Six card and you should buy it. Basically, you pay $60.00 for this card.

Then, they punch the card for each visit. This means I get my eyebrows done for $10. In fact, they’ll wax anything on yo’ face in that visit. You can get your brows, lip and whatever else done for $10.00. It’s a no-brainer.

I did not do anything to loose 50 pounds. In fact, I ate pretty terribly. My teeth will have to be okay. Nobody look at them.