Plantation Panache

I know there are a lot of people heading to "the lake" this weekend. Would any of you be headed to Lake Oconee at Reynolds Plantation and staying here? Wouldn't that be so nice?
. *All photos via AH&L

Cute Napkins = Cute Pillows

Are y'all familiar with Roberta Roller Rabbit by Roberta Freymann? I wasn't until this past weekend when I sat down with my June issue of Elle Decor. On page 99 they have a tablecloth ($110) and some napkins ($8). My first thought- 'Those will make some great, inexpensive pillows'. One pillow would only cost you about $26 (if you bought a $10 insert from Hancock Fabrics or the like). Each piece of fabric is done by Hand Block Printing (which I have always adored the look). Here are a few things I liked from the website:

Big Cata Green
Francesa Orange Amanda Turquoise

Flavia Grey

Flavia Navy

These placemats (14x20) would also make great pillows:

*all images via Roberta Roller Rabbit

And while on the subject of DIY pillows- I made one this weekend out of these placemats that I found at At Home here in Birmingham. The jute goes great with my bedskirt in my master bedroom.

While on the same shopping trip I found these cute, white ruffle napkins for $6 each. I bought two and am going to make a pillow for my club chair in my living room. The white is too stark so I am thinking of dying them. Has anyone ever experimented with this? I would love any advice.

Bright & Sunny

After wrapping up another busy week- I'm looking forward to a low key weekend. I hope yours is relaxing (and hopefully filled with sunshine).

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*image via House Beautiful

Number Four

You may remember this post from last week where I mentioned that I have other loves besides interior design (crazy, I know)! And since I said that I was going to share a little bit more on this blog besides interiors- today I thought I would share #4 from last week's list.

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Here are a few things that I have worked on in the past couple of months- from birth announcements to invites to save-the-date cards. I really enjoy it all. I have been wanting to start a blog or Etsy shop for a few of my things- but I just haven't had the time. Maybe one day soon.

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*Sorry about the images with the white background that don't show up as well.

**I've change the names,etc. in order to protect each person's personal information.

Open Invitation

In honor of the extremely HOT weather... here's another great beach house. My brother and sister are both headed to the beach on Friday (for the whole week) and I can honestly say that I am jealous. I sure wish I was heading down that way and staying in this house:
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*all photos via BHG

The Busyness of Life

How does life get so busy? I have been thinking about what all is on my plate this week and just how busy my life has been lately. Then I see this post, and this one, and this one. Oh, and this one. All about how busy we all are and the need to relax.
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I wish I could spend some time here- the winner of the 2009 Southern Home Awards 'Best Outdoor Space'. Alys Beach is a little slice of heaven on Earth!
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*all photos via Southern Living

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What is your secret to keeping up with the busyness of life? How do you relax and take time for yourself?

10 Things I Am Loving...

1. This swimsuit from J.Crew.

2. This Swatch watch...

3. Or maybe this one.

4. Sweet Olive Shift Dress from Anthropologie

5. Fill in the Blank Notecards from Frenchie and Flea on Etsy

6. This fun recipe from Bakerella.

7. These wire baskets I spotted at A Life's Design.

8. This painting from Nel's Everyday Painting.

9. This verse shared by Paula last week:

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." - Ecclesiastes 11:5-6

10. Friends in the blogging world that I am having dinner with tonight!

Marianne, Paula, Jennifer, Jessica, Amy, & Rachel

On a Roll

It all started with a small obsession with trays. Random, I know. But now I have a new obsession with carts: bar carts, book carts, kitchen carts. I think it's because it is basically a couple of trays on wheels! You see a lot of carts used as 'bars' but I love the photo below of the cart used as a bedside table.

And because everyone always loves a good before & after... look at this changing table turned bar cart!

Sources:

1,2,5,8,&9) BHG

3) via Flickr

4) House Beautiful

6) via Flickr

7) via here

Farmhouse Fresh

I can't get my mind off summer homes at the farm or lake. Here is another great house from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.
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*all photos via AH&L