New Fabric Crush = New Pillows?

A friend and I made an Ikea run on Friday to Atlanta to pick up a few things. We also ran by Lewis and Sheron to see if they had anything new in stock.

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I saw this fabric and snapped a photo with my phone. This is the green/white colorway--- but as I moved along in the store I found it in a white/gray combo and a white/khaki-ish combo. Did you know that I like neutrals? Ha.

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I started thinking- where could I use this? It's only $19.98/yd... so surely I could come up with a small project to use it on?

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And then I saw these pillows in the latest issue of Traditional Home.

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While I don't need new pillows--- sometimes I just can't resist a $20 project that will change things up a bit and make a big difference (to me).

Have you tackled a small project lately that makes a big difference in your home--- even though it might not have been necessary?

Birmingham Artist: Annie Butrus

When one of my best friends lived in Birmingham for a few years after college... she was a nanny for the Butrus family. She introduced me to Annie's work which I love. Here are a few of my favorites:
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Peach Tree Trail: Summer III

Fallen Fruit: summer, orange

Four Seasons: Winter

Four Seasons: Summer

Four Seasons: Spring

Four Seasons: Fall

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*see more of Annie's work here .

Cottage of Light

While looking around myhomeideas- I was reminded of Tia Zoldan's 1920's cottage. LOVE the outside as well as her stylish decor inside.
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So let's go into the archives of Cottage Living for a tour of her house.
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Sidenote: I have a tall stack of magazines just waiting to be read--- but I keep finding myself looking through my old issues instead. I've promised myself that I am going to clean out and organize my magazines in the next few weeks. They are out of control around here and I must organize and purge.
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*via myhomeideas.com

Finished Project & Fun Giveaways

On Tuesday Paula and I knocked out her backsplash. We had a great time and I'm so excited that she's pleased with the outcome.

Working away:

And one of me working--- but I made her sign a waiver that she would publish no belly shots of this 7 month preggo!

See the finished project here!

And while I am not hosting a giveaway- there are two that I can't wait to find out who wins. This one and this one.

Neutral New Orleans: Revisted

You may remember this home from Country Living's July 2009 issue {I did a post on it last summer because I loved it so much}.

I've had it on my mind lately so I thought I would revisit it today. Today's sunshine in Alabama is inspiring a post that is bright and clean and reminds me of spring. This house does just that. I especially love the breakfast nook and dressing area.

*via Country Living

** We started and finished Paula's backsplash yesterday. I can't wait for her to post photos to show you... it turned out great.

Two Ellie & Tile

Today you will find me over at Paula's. Well, not on her blog- but actually at her at house. We are tackling her kitchen backsplash. I'm sure she'll post photos soon. Wish us luck!
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A little bit of subway tile inspiration...
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Ruffles

Happy Friday! I was drawn to these ruffled plates when I spotted them recently in Country Living. I love how simple they are- yet the ruffle adds so much.
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And a few items from Potluck Studio:

* here is a list of retailers that sell these items!

5 years

Celebrating 5 wonderful years of marriage today. I can't believe how quickly it has flown by. I am so thankful to be married to such wonderful man. God has truly blessed me.
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A few photos from the past 5 years....

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

amoroso design + calvin

I was recently introduced to the work of Amoroso Design based out of San Francisco. I enjoyed looking at the differences of their design details in the many projects listed on their site. Here are some of my favorite images of their work:


And while he's not a design detail- he may be one of my favorite parts of their site. Calvin is listed as part of the design team. Read his bio here.
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Inspiration without Words