pinspiration: a farmhouse Easter

Maybe it's the copious amounts of Fixer Upper I've been watching lately (it's the perfect thing when I'm in preggo nesting mode, but too tired to actually clean or work on my own house), but I'm really feeling a farmhouse-inspired theme for Easter this year!

I'm so inspired by the cobalt and terra cotta tones in this very Anthropologie-esque vignette from House By Hoff.

How cool are the Rae Dunn inspired Easter eggs from DIY Beautify?

Using temporary tattoos to decorate eggs is one of those ideas I'd never think of - Lia Griffith is so creative!

To make your holiday extra special, here's a playlist that would be the perfect background music for a farmhouse brunch:

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Mindy Gayer Design Co. via Becki Owens

• Modern romantic wedding inspiration from Ruffled.
• Via Becki Owens, a fresh-meets-farmhouse Napa home.
• Just started following this designer's airy Insta account.
• Fun, colorful, and slightly retro superhero nursery ideas.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Kate Spade, Kelly Sugar Crafts, Natural Dreamer
• Anne tried and reviewed popular meal prep services.
• Currently pinning inspiration for a maternity photo shoot.

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: reader survey results, fave Oscar looks, and my "gateway fandoms"
• 2015: custard yellow picks for spring and spring IG faves.
• 2014: a blast from my high school past and March favorites.
• 2013:a Sunday Social about the 5's and emerald wardrobe inspiration.
• 2012: #FebPhotoADay and chocolate marshmallow cupcakes.
• 2011: wedding planning thrift store adventures and our bridesmaids' dresses.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• I've had this tune stuck in my head for weeks now and it was driving me crazy because I didn't know what it was called, what the words actually were other than "In the silence of the night..." or who sang it - thank goodness The Santa Clause was on TV last night and I realized it was from the scene where the characters visit the North Pole for the first time. The song is "The Bells of Christmas" by Loreena McKennitt. It's a shame it's so hard to find, because it's absolutely magical.

SWOON.

Mary Margaret Smith Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

• From EAD, a winter wedding with a bright pop of color.
• A lovely redwood forest wedding from Lauren Fair.
• An evocative editorial in Italy from Michael and Carina.
• Love the palette and florals from this white barn wedding.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Sarah ❤s, The Blog Market, Flipsnack, SALT. 
• Read It Forward is giving away 50 books and a bookshelf!
• Love Liz's simple, welcoming farmhouse Christmas entry.
• Ashley's home is a rustic, snowy winter wonderland.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My wellness wish list, fall in Instagram, favorite holiday traditions, and a glam woodland Christmas wreath.
• 2014: Roanoke's Festival of Trees, rounded up ideas for a wedding inspired by Beauty and the Beast, and my blog loves.
• 2013: a Sunday Social all about the holidays, pulled together emerald green and gold wardrobe and wedding/party inspiration, shared my favorite no-bake cookie recipe, and recapped my December in Instagram.
• 2012: holiday advice for letting go of perfect and enjoying the holiday season, and 7 winter date ideas.
• 2011:  a paint chip mosaic, poinsettia wreath, no-sew tree skirt, and how I decorated our tree.

this week's clicks: 5 years of Beyond the Aisle!

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

Annamarie Akins Photography

• An Annapolis anniversary shoot from Annamarie Akins.
• A chic San Francisco wedding with fresh style from Jose Villa.
• Loving Liz's farmhouse Christmas living room decor.
• From SMP, a camp wedding full of cool details (that arch!).

SMILE.

• Almost time for 25 Days of Christmas! (All Elf all the time)
• Happy Narwhalidays. Bye, Buddy, hope you find your dad!
• Cute, helpful and functional: Bonnie's gift list printable.
• Obsessed with this lovely Cinderella-inspired pinboard.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: My 5 favorite holiday recipes.
• 2014: My December favorite things.
• 2013: December faves and black and white wardrobe picks.
• 2012: our Christmas traditions, how important caregivers are during the holidays, gift guides for the quirky and glam girls in my life, and a peek at our Dickens-inspired Christmas decorations.
• 2011: Mr. Q and I got engaged and officially started this blog.

Inspiration: Calm Farmhouse Christmas

It's one of our family traditions to begin decorating our home for Christmas in the days after Thanksgiving - as a teacher and a salesman, the long weekend is the last breath of fresh air we'll get before winter break! This year, as I started to collect inspiration, I had way too many ideas for "themes" - everything from White Christmas style ski lodge to Wes Anderson influenced vintage. Somewhere in between these extremes, I kept coming back to soft, calming images of farmhouse entryways and trees decked in burlap and gold. When I put them together, I was in love. 

Last year, I chose world peace as the theme for our Christmas decor, and I'm back to neutrals again this year. Along with a festive touch of weathered Stewart tartan (Target calls it "Sour Cream Plaid,") rustic burlap and aged gold are inspiring me to make my home a comforting haven during this Christmas. This afternoon, as Mr. Q digs our favorite decorations collected over the past five years out of storage, I'm listening to one of my favorite hymns and looking forward to the opportunity to find calm in a busy season.

As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longs after You

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship You

You alone are my strength, my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship You

I want You more than gold or silver

Only You can satisfy

You alone are the real joy-giver

And the apple of my eye

You're my Friend and You are my Brother

Even though You are a King

I love You more than any other

So much more than anything

- by Martin J. Nystrom

Do you and your family have any special traditions to get ready for the holidays? When do you put up your Christmas tree - are you a Black Friday decorator like me, or do you wait until December?

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• It is a truth universally acknowledged that Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren are one of the cutest couples in country music. I love this song that he wrote after their wedding.

SWOON.

Gaby J Photograpghy via Style Me Pretty

• SMP features a must-see whimsical blue and gold wedding.
• Farmhouse style fall dining room inspiration from Dear Lillie.
• Can't wait to try Lucy's apple cake recipe (hers is so gorgeous!)
• In love with this Secret Garden-inspired Georgia wedding.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Teaching Is My Superpower, Smashing, Sarah Hearts.
• Studio DIY's costume shop includes their perfect dresses.
• These funny misfortune cookies are so cute for Halloween!
• Pinning all the autumn inspiration and pumpkin recipes.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: ways to learn something new in your hometown, favorite fictional teachers.
• 2014: favorite marsala wardrobe picks and a fall and winter bucket list.
• 2013: costumes for groups, Gatsby-inspired getups, and an A to Z book survey.
• 2012: navy and orange wardrobe ideas, inspiration for a rustic navy wedding, wedding cake pop ideas, photos from High Point Furniture Market as well as a what-to-wear guide, and a musical alphabet.
• 2011: fall centerpiece ideas, photos from my first trip to High Point, and my recipe for crock pot baked apples.

sunday simplicity: where you feel like yourself.

The Wood Grain Cottage

"Home isn't necessarily where you sleep 

at night. It's where you feel like yourself. 

Where you're most comfortable. Where 

you don't have to pretend, where you 

can just be you.” - Elizabeth Eulberg

sunday simplicity.

Better Homes and Gardens

“Home was not the place where you were born 

but the place you created yourself, where you 

did not need to explain, where you finally 

became what you were.” - Dermot Bolger

sunday simplicity.

1326 Studios via Wedding Chicks

wedding planning: creative escort card ideas

One functional aspect of wedding decor that definitely shouldn't be overlooked is the escort card - and modern brides are definitely looking beyond the traditional folded cardstock to find ways to tie the escort card into the wedding's overall theme and decor.  If you are doing long, farmhouse-style tables or picnic tables at your reception, you might not need escort cards - maybe a "sit where you like" sign is more your style.  However, if you're doing traditional round 8-seat tables, escort cards that direct guests toward their table - denoted either with a number or a name - are a way to help guests avoid confusion and "where do I sit?" anxiety, especially for out-of-town guests or those who may not know many others at the wedding.  Basically, escort cards keep your wedding reception from feeling like the cafeteria on the first day of middle school.

Tim Will Photography via Oh Lovely Day

Kraft paper luggage tags are secured on framed chicken wire with mini 

clothespins; this look is perfect for a vintage-inspired wedding with a rustic theme.  

You can check out DIY directions directly from the bride on Oh Lovely Day.

Zelo Photography via Wedding Chicks

For an elegant vintage-inspired event, beautiful antique skeleton 

keys are tied to escort cards with ribbon in the wedding's color scheme 

and displayed on a salvaged door.

House of Earnest

DIY marbled paper was used to create these calligraphy escort cards.

Erin's tutorial shows how easy it is to get this elegant look.

Liz Banfield via Style Me Pretty

Washi tape was used to create a quirky, modern background for 

this simple escort card display designed by Isabella Sikaffy of 

Florabella Weddings for a lovely wedding in Chebeague, Maine.

Leila Brewster Photography via Style Me Pretty

Traditional escort cards have a new look when they are

placed in a bed of ombré flower petals at this colorful Island 

Cove Marina wedding designed by True Event.

Rebecca Fishman, Birds of a Feather Photography via Style Me Pretty

This artistic display goes full-on ombré with pastel colored 

escort cards and a floral swag, perfect for a gypsy-inspired coastal 

wedding designed by La Boheme Events.

Which of these unique escort card displays is your favorite?

Thanksgiving at the Country Townhouse

Thanksgiving 2013

This year Mr. Q and I hosted a smaller Thanksgiving at our townhouse - his parents were out of town, so it was the two of us, my mom, my sister in law, and the mister's BFF.  I got so busy I forgot to take pictures of the people or even the food, but I did manage to take a few of my decorations.  I kept things simple and farmhouse-y this year.  My "table runner" was actually just a sheet of kraft paper gift wrap from the Dollar Spot at Target, the milk glass vase is a Goodwill find from our wedding, and I picked up the flowers at the grocery store while purchasing my turkey.  Y'all know how I roll.

Since we don't have a mantel, I like to decorate the ends of our console table.  Vintage books, mercury glass, and Mason jars are my equation for happiness.  Forgive my silk flowers - I know it's a decorating faux pas but I'm also a lazy person at heart.

For dinner, we served slow cooker turkey breast from Mel's Kitchen Cafe, green bean and mushroom casserole from The Recipe Critic, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, my mom's candied yams, and yeast rolls.

Here are some more real flowers for you purists.  I broke out my "vacay wine," the Stonehaus Davenport Red we bought in Tennessee this summer.  Oh my gosh, y'all.  Perfection.  I really wish I'd put the mini pecan phyllo tarts from Skinny Taste in the cake dome before snapping this picture.  What can I say, I was hungry.  And they were both adorable and delicious.

Our whole Thanksgiving weekend was awesome - we went to dinner with Breeze and her hubby on Friday, and on Saturday my uncle and aunt hosted a Thanksgiving spread at their home in the National Forest.  The only downside of the weekend was my 'Hoos losing the Commonwealth for the tenth year in a row... whomp whomp.  I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

summer style: what to wear to a casual bridal shower

This past Saturday was one of the most anticipated days of my summer: my BFF's bridal shower!  Honestly, the last time I hosted a big party was my own wedding, and I had the hostessing itch.  Since Breeze's wedding has a rustic theme and laid-back style, we wanted to keep the shower fun, casual, and a little country.  I'll show you the inspiration for Breeze's wedding and what we did for the shower later this week, but first I wanted to take some time to daydream about how I would decorate and what I'd wear if I had a magazine editor's budget.  I came up with a vintage inspired farmhouse-style summer shower with coral accents, and a dress that keeps finding its way into my ModCloth cart.

Disclaimer:  ModCloth links contain an affiliate code.

The Outfit: 1. Floral dress from ModCloth  2. Betsey Johnson pave stud earrings from Lord and Taylor 3. Fossil lock and key necklace from Macy's  4. Fossil crosshatch iPhone case  5. Kate Spade bridesmade idiom cuff bracelet  6. Max and Chloe sterling silver monogram bracelet  7. Straw Studios crochet handbag from Nordstrom  8. Camper wedge sandals

The Serveware:  1. 12" x 20" Wooden tray from Bed Bath and Beyond  2. Chalkboard condiment tray from Pier1  3. Scalloped cake stand from Pier1  4. Mason jar  style drink dispenser from Bed Bath and Beyond (also available at World Market) 5. "Emma" cupcake liner from Dress My Cupcake 6. Libbey dessert spoons from Bed Bath and Beyond  7. 13" Chip and dip tray from Bed Bath and Beyond

home envy: log cabin interiors

Yesterday, I shared a few of my favorite log home designs from around the web.  Today, I wanted to show that the insides log cabins can go way beyond that North Woods, paddles and moose theme we've all seen a million times.  Just about any interior design style can look even cooler when juxtaposed with the natural wood, high ceilings and light-filled spaces that characterize most log homes!

Design Shuffle

The most unexpected interior decorating style for a log home is probably a modern style, but this living room by Jennifer Visosky of Grace Home Design, Inc is totally cool and contemporary.  I especially like the Union Jack wall hanging!

Interior Design Pro

This is more of a classic log cabin interior, but notice the distinct lack of bears and canoes!  Instead, check out that awesome stone fireplace and wooden mantel shelf.  The accents are a little bit vintage, a little bit rustic.

OC Designer Source

How about an elegant log cabin interior?  The chandeliers and dark wood in this space remind me of wine country.

LogHome.com

I featured the exterior of this log home yesterday; the casual interior is so inviting.  I especially love the built-in bookshelf and I am a sucker for two-story living rooms.

Eye for Design

Finally, here's a log cabin decorated in a farmhouse style complete with cow and sheep paintings!

welcome summer!

Ella Claire

"We're entering into razzle-dazzle time, when the scope of our lives broadens to meet the longer, brighter days and summer's endless offerings.  So much comes tumbling in at this time of year, so much is tugging at our attention:  ripening fruit, sprouting vegetables, garden weeds and needs." - Dana Velden

Pantone Winter 2012 - Orchid Hush & Quarry for the home

Our home has some touches of gray and teal here and there, but these finds from around the web make me want to add more!  These colors are so versatile.

Allen and Roth lattice wallpaper from Lowe's - if you are a fan of this pattern, 

check out this kitchen on Flickr, too || Ballard Designs "Bold Faith" giclee, $349 

** If you want to add any images from this post to Pinterest, please click the link and pin from the source! **

I feel like the horse giclee above deserves to be paired with other subtle equestrian touches, like these trophies from Antique Farm House via Miss Mustard Seed.

For similar style to the Ballard giclee on a budget, many Etsy sellers offer horse artwork.  I like this photo print from MadeByMoonGirl.

I love the wall color, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray, and most of all

 the stone fireplace in this living room via Your Nest Design

Brown leather and bronze accessories really pop against gray, as do dark 

woods, as seen in this curated vignette featured in Country Living.

This kitchen from The Handmade Home is wonderful: the wooden flooring, the rag rug, the 

green canisters, the pendant lights... think I'll add a rag rug to our kitchen this summer.

I can see this cute little West Elm bowl (now on sale for $13) being right at home in the kitchen above.

A totally different kitchen and dining area with a similar color scheme via Image Spark.  Those marble countertops  and the stone fireplace are so sophisticated, but the wire basket and plants give the space a farmhouse feel.

This laundry room from DecorPad via The Borrowed Abode is one of my favorite decor photos ever! 

 That rug, the wall color, and the schoolhouse light fixture make it so homey and fresh.

Using fonts as art is so creative.  The wall color is Nightingale by Benjamin Moore - via Your Nest Design

Pillows from West Elm, $34 and dedeetsystop on Etsy, $40

Love this chevron quilt from Honey Bear Lane