Inspiration Snapshot: Sweet Garden Party

This photo makes me want to throw a fabulous Sunday brunch in the backyard, with tons of fresh flowers cut from the garden, plenty bottles of chilled champagne and a spread of delicious homemade food. All that I'm missing to make this snapshot become a reality is the backyard...I'll have to make-do with my apartment balcony for now! Do you do much entertaining outdoors during the spring and summer months?

IMAGE CREDIT: HOUSE TO HOME

DIY Succulent Indoor / Outdoor Centerpiece

A few weekends ago I decided to make my very first DIY centerpiece for our apartment. I believe every room should have at least one plant (real or fake) because they add color, texture and interest. Succulents are a great choice to use indoors because they're low maintenance (only need to be watered every couple weeks), they're full of texture and come in just about every shade of green imaginable. For my very first DIY centerpiece, I'm very happy with the results! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how I did it...

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1. Potting soil, 1 bag of Reindeer Moss, a handful of pebbles and/or shells

2. About 5 dried curly willow sticks

3. Container of your choice; the one I purchase is metal with a patina finish and it came with a fitted plastic liner inside (recommended if you're using live plants that will be watered).

4. Potted succulents - I purchased 5 varieties from IKEA for only $2.99 each. If you don't want to use live plants, there are some pretty great plastic succulents out there that look real.

PLANT THE SUCCULENTS & ADD MOSS

5. Fill the container with soil; depending on the shape of your container and number of plants, map out the placement each one, spacing them evenly. Scoop out small amount of soil and plant each succulent.

6. Once all succulents are planted, add more soil and spread evenly around to create an even surface.

7. Add the reindeer moss - a little goes a long way, so you don't need to use much. It has a sponge-like texture and is easy to mold around each succulent. 

8. Be sure to cover the surface evenly with moss so the soil isn't showing through.

 

ADD FINISHING TOUCHES

9. Strategically place a few shells, pebbles, etc. around the container, on top of the moss. I used seashells that I collected on the beach a few months ago and purchased a bag of flat tumbled stones.

- Break the curly willow in half or in thirds, depending how long each stick is, and place the top portion along the center of the planter. I used about 5 sticks and staggered their heights.

FINAL RESULT: A beautiful succulent centerpiece that can be placed on a dining table, cocktail table, or console. I took this photo of the centerpiece placed on my living room coffee table. Sometimes I set it on the center of my dining table or outside on our balcony - I love its versatility!

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IMAGE CREDITS: ALL TAKEN BY JULIE THIGPEN

10 Simple Ways to Organize Your Home

Spring is here and it's just about that time to do a little "spring cleaning" and organizing. I cleaned out our bedroom and closet over the weekend (which was seriously turning into a storage shed!). I got rid of a bunch of clothes, shoes and books, which I plan on donating to our local Salvation Army. Then I added a few wicker baskets to our bookcase to organize clutter and hung curtain side panels over our window. Just a few simple changes and our bedroom feels fresh and new again. Sometimes it doesn't take much to transform a space. Next on my list is organizing the bathroom drawers, my jewelry, and the kitchen cupboards...among many other areas that need a little love and attention. One project at a time, right?! If you're ready to do some spring cleaning and organizing around your home, here are 10 easy ways to help you get started!  And please feel free to share any helpful tips of your own :)

1. Hang necklaces and bracelets neatly on a paper towel holder. {Click here for details}

2. Personalized storage buckets placed in an entryway bookcase help everyone in the house keep their stuff organized in one place. {Click here for details}

3. Use an ice cube tray to store earrings and rings. {Click here for details}

4. A wicker cutlery tray placed on top of a bookcase or console table in the entry, makes the perfect catchall for cell phones, keys, etc. Personalize each compartment for family members. {Click here for details}

5. A tray filled with glass pebbles or rocks allows mud or snow to drain from your boots and shoes, preventing them from sitting in a puddle. {Click here for details}

6. Keep recipes organized neatly in a binder by using photo protector sleeves. {Click here for details}

7. Hang dish towels and gloves from hooks mounted on the inside of your kitchen cabinets. {Click here for details}

8. Organize your kitchen cabinets by using a baking pan to hold smaller jars, spices, honey, etc. You can slide the pan in and out like a drawer, which will help you easily find things. {Click here for details}

9. Create a battery charging station inside of a drawer. This way you can charge cell phones, etc. in one place and avoid cluttering a counter or table top. {Click here for details}

10. My favorite idea for storing jewelry! Place mismatched, random vintage teacups and saucers in a drawer to hold your precious jewels. Line the inside of the drawer with velvet or felt to prevent the cups from sliding around. {Click here for details}

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IMAGE CREDITS: REAL SIMPLE; MARTHA STEWART; BHG

Quote of the Week

“Buy the best, and you only cry once."

— Miles Redd

 

 IMAGE CREDITS: ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST; MARJORIE SKOURAS DESIGN; DECORPAD; WE HEART IT;

My First Magazine Feature...

Happy Friday! The day has completely gotten away from me and it's just about time to close up shop and pop open a bottle of wine. I have a little celebrating to do and wanted to share the fun news with you! As most of you know, I own an interior design firm and an online boutique, and the fabulous team over at Laura U Mag recently asked if they could do a feature story about me and my business in their April / May issue.  I happily agreed to do an interview and submit some of my work. For those of you unfamiliar with this online magazine, it's produced and published by the super talented interior designer, Laura Umansky. The new issue launched today and I'd like to invite you to check out the article, beginning on pg.77. I really enjoyed being a part of it and wanted to say Thank You to the wonderful, hardworking ladies at Laura U for making it happen!  *** I wish you all a fabulous weekend! What do you have planned? My husband and I will be visiting our families for 2 birthday parties and a BBQ - I swear, there's never a dull moment! xoxo - Julie

Inspiration Snapshot: Chic Elegance

Doesn't this room feel like a breath of fresh air?! I spotted it in the brand new issue of High Gloss Magazine, which launched today. I'm usually not a fan of white walls but in this case, white totally works. The gold frames, grasscloth upholstered ottoman, black lamp shade and cowhide rug add texture and depth to the space; the pops of lavender and purple bring everything to life. It's feminine, classy, simple and chic. I love, love it! You too? See the rest of this fabulous home designed by Mary McGee, on pg.97 of High Gloss Magazine.

{IMAGE CREDIT: HIGH GLOSS MAGAZINE; MARY McGEE INTERIORS}