Prepping the Kitchen For Spring...

Well, as the month of February comes to a close, I am more than ready to transition into Spring.  We really haven't had much of a Winter here; and, recently, I've been opening the windows and letting in some fresh air and lots of sunshine. I've also started to rearrange a few things in the kitchen. 

As I prepare to do some Spring decorating, one of the first things that I did was throw out most of my "faux" greenery. I decided to embrace a more organic feel with live plants and flowers. I must admit, I missed the greenery initially; but now I love the look...it feels 'fresh'. I started by removing all of the greenery on top of the cabinets and the pot rack in the kitchen. I put my vintage copper pots on the front side; and the Paula Deen everyday cookware on the back side. It's very convenient for cooking.

Next, I flanked the kitchen sink with a bronze cherub and an urn filled with a snake plant and english ivy. The plant will thrive in front of the sunny kitchen window! Two bronze architectural pieces hang on both sides of the window.

Here is a closeup of the bronze cherub. Next to it, I placed my silver beverage dispenser. It is filled with lemons, for color, when it's not in use...

On the right corner of the center island, I used a large apothecary jar filled with artichokes and a large lion's head candlestick...

On the left side of the island is a matching candlestick, a rooster and my tiered, lattice fruit bowl. I will be adding some preserved boxwood wreaths to the french doors (left), leading to the home office...

To the right of the kitchen sink, I set up a small coffee bar using some of my favorite pieces of silver. The trays are stacked in a tiered plate rack...

I love these kitchen towels from Williams-Sonoma...

I also love these Italianate coffee cups. They were a Goodwill find, right before the holidays. I got 8 cups and saucers at 59¢ each...

On the buffet island, looking into the kitchen, I placed two bronze urns, at each end, and centered a cluster of bronze accessories. On the back side, I have a pair of buffet lamps. Next week, I'll be adding some Spring accents to this area.

(This wall looks so yellow! Lol!! It's actually much more muted.)

Finally, I placed a French script urn and some green vases atop the fridge. The script matches the script on the window treatments...

And that's it for the kitchen...for now. I can't wait to add all of the Spring accents next week!!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit today!
Happy Decorating!!













Linking to:
Nutmeg Place-Showoff Saturday
Home Is Where My Story Begins-Home and Family Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
At The Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Kristen's Creations-Share Your Creations
The Polohouse-Favorites on the First
From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday
No Minimalist Here-Open House Party
Lil Pink Pocket-Show and Share
The Shady Porch-Rock N Share
Grits and Glamour-Wild About Mother Nature
DIY by Design-Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
Beez Rental Designs-Frugal Treasures
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
Type A Decorating-Anything Goes
The House In The Roses-Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Three Mango Seeds-Do It Ya Self Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia-Tuesday's Treasures
Debbiedoo's-Newbie Party
A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday
Cozy Home Scenes-Your Cozy Home Party

The Seductive Home

Did that title grab your attention? Well, it caught mine! Last week, I picked up a gorgeous new coffee table book by interior designer and lifestyle expert, Moll Anderson, called "The Seductive Home".  

As you know, I love rich colors and textures; and I was quickly drawn into the pages of this book. Whether you're a fan of Old World, Modern, or Southwest design, Moll beautifully illustrates how to incorporate sensuality into your home. She describes how scent, texture, and warm colors work together, creating an environment that draws people in.

 via mollanderson.com

 via mollanderson.com

 via mollanderson.com

 via mollanderson.com

via mollanderson.com

If you're looking to add a little luxury and romance to your home, this book is a great source of inspiration! Have a great weekend!

We Have A Winner!!! "Made in the South" Giveaway!

Happy Friday, Everyone!!! Hope you're all having a great day!! Well, it's time to reveal the winner of the "Made In The South" giveaway.

The winning number was chosen by Random.org...

And the winner is...

KIM

OF

LA BELLE EPOQUE HOME!!!!

Congratulations, Kim!!

Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to enter!
 I appreciate your participation; and thanks to 

Melissa of Made in the South 

for providing such a great giveaway!!!

Please go by and congratulate Kim on her win! 
If you have never visited her gorgeous blog, 
La Belle Epoque Home, 

you're missing a treat! 
Kim is a connoisseur of all things French; 
and her blog is a treat for the eyes!!

Thanks, again, to all of you; and Have a Great Weekend!!

Last Chance To Enter-"Made In The South" Giveaway!!

Happy Monday, Everyone! I hope you had a great weekend!! Today, I am super excited to host another awesome giveaway!! My dear, sweet bloggy friend, Melissa of Made in The South, is so graciously giving away one of her amazingly cute zipper bags!! As soon as I saw these on her blog, I was in LOVE!! On Thursday, Mr. Mailman arrived with this little darling, just for me:

Preppy Pink and Kelly Green

Lg. Zipper Bag

Isn't it cute?? The pink and green color combo was love at first sight!! These are my sorority colors; and the fleur de lis just stole my heart!! What else would you expect from a Louisiana girl??

Melissa has several awesome bags in her shop to choose from:

Funky Flowers

Lg. Zipper Bag

Royal and Green 

Lg. Zipper Bag

Royal and Canary Yellow
Lg. Zipper Bag

Paisley Tango and Gray

Lg. Zipper Bag

Royal Garden

Lg. Zipper Bag

Totally Tiger Large Zipper Bag

Geaux LSU!!!

You can even have this zebra stripe monogrammed!!!

See?????

What about this petite version with the pretty rosette??

Brown and White Trellis


OR THIS ONE...

Multi-Color Paisley

Melissa even has shoe totes!!!

Pink and CoCo

Dark Olive and Chocolate Brown

These would all make great gifts; and how great would it be to WIN one of these awesome bags?? Melissa is giving the winner the zipper bag of her choice!!

Well, it's pretty easy to enter...

1) Follow 'Embellishments by SLR' and leave a comment letting me know.

2) Follow 'Made in the South' and leave a comment letting me know that, as well.

3) For an additional entry, "Like" Embellishments by SLR on Facebook.

That's 3 chances to win!!

The giveaway is open through Thursday, February 16, 2012 at midnight.

The winner will be chosen by Random.org and posted on Friday, February 17, 2012, by 10 a.m.

Thanks, again, to Melissa for providing such a great gift; and good luck to everyone!!!


Linking to:
Homemaker on a Dime-Market Your Biz and Giveaways

A Valentine's Fireside Nightcap

Happy Friday!! We are only a few days away from Valentine's Day; and I wanted to plan something special for Dear Hubby. Instead of fireside dining, I thought a fireside nightcap would be lovely. I began with a nice, cozy fire in the fireplace. Then, I spread out a thick, warm throw. This really sets the mood...

Next, I put down a few pillows for comfort...

I added a nice platter of fruit and cheese, a few hydrangeas, along with a bottle of wine...

I sprinkled a few rose petals and lit some votives...

Finished it off with some soft music; and, there you have it! 

A cozy, romantic finish to the perfect evening!!

Hopefully, you've found some romantic inspiration, during your visit here today! Be sure to come back on Monday for a fabulous new GIVEAWAY!!
Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a Great Weekend!!





Linking to:
Our Delightful Home-Show Me What Ya Got
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia-Tuesdays Treasures
Type A Decorating-Anything Goes
Happy Hour Projects- Share the Love Valentine Link Party
Cozy Home Scenes-Your Cozy Home Party
A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Under the Table and Dreaming-Sunday Showcase
Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings-Woman Thing Link Party

DIY Rustic Artwork

Well, the creative juices continue to flow! Right now, I'm actually comfortable with my home just as it is. Does anyone else feel this way?? Of course, there are little things that I'd like to tweak; but, over time, I have acquired pieces that I love; and created a home that reflects who we are. I really don't have any overwhelming urges to make any 'major' changes. I'd just like to build on what I've started. Today, it is all about some rustic artwork.

The first area that I wanted to focus on was this ledge in the foyer.  I had been contemplating a tapestry for the space inside the decorative molding:

The problem with that idea is that we have some very large windows above the front door; and I was concerned about the sunlight fading the fabric. While some people embrace that look, I don't want to lose the rich colors of the tapestry that I have my eye on. So, I decided to wait for another viable option. Well,  as I was out shopping, I noticed a lot of rustic wood and iron pieces, that would make great art.  As you know, as is usually the case, these pieces carry a pretty hefty price tag.  Additionally, I didn't see any that would work with my decor. Well, you know me...I studied them and realized that I could probably make something similar on my own! So, into creative mode I went!

I went out to the garage and pulled out some leftover wood, from one of my daughters' school projects.

Next, I reached into my "paint cabinet", pulled out a mocha glaze, and began to brush it onto the wood, following the grain:

While the mocha glaze was still wet, I dry brushed just a hint of bronze glaze, in a random, criss-cross motion, to give the finish a slightly ashen appearance:

It appears as a "greenish-gray"...

Once everything was dry,  I added crosses that I already had. They were all purchased at Hobby Lobby for 50% off:

I attached the crosses using Goop contact adhesive. It takes about 24 hours for the pieces to "set".

Dear Hubby is traveling this week; and when he gets back, I'll let him climb the ladder and lean it against the wall. I decided not to hang it; as I thought it would be more interesting that way. I plan to create one more, with different crosses and make a pair.

This was such a simple project; and you can create your own version, as well.  The design possibilities are limitless! I'm sure Annie Sloan Chalk Paint would work perfectly, as well. Because I already had all of my components, I now have custom art pieces for my ledge, for FREE!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit today; and have found some design inspiration along the way!

Have a great day; and Happy Decorating!!


Linking to:
Three Mango Seeds-Do It Ya Self Mondays
Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Home is Where My Story Begins-Home and Family Friday
These Peas Taste Funny-Link It Up Thursday
Happy Hour Projects-Freestyle Friday
At the Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
Passionately Perfect-Coffee and Conversation Thursday
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday
Kristen's Creations-Share Your Creations
House of Hepworths-Hookin Up with HoH
The Artsy Girl Connection-PinInspirational Thursday
From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday
The Shady Porch-Rock N Share
Southern Lovely-Show and Share
It's Overflowing-Overflowing With Creativity
Primp: Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
DIY by Design-Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants- What's It Wednesday
House of Grace-Twice Owned Tuesday