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SIX TO BLISS | THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE


Good Morning...

Today I am a featured writer at The Decorista blog for her SIX TO BLISS series. Read all about it here


See you Monday for more photos from this week's events and special coverage from 
"The Wedding Experience" event at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead.

Have a great weekend!

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPERSTARS EVENT


I started tweeting in August of last year. I felt the same way about twitter as I did about blogging when I first got started. Why tweet when I already have a Facebook Fan Page? With only 140 characters, what would I say? How will I know if someone responds to my message? Who do I follow? One of the first articles I used as a reference recommended that I tweet my blog posts, so I did. Then I started to reach out to others in the design community. I became more relaxed and decided to just be...

This same piece of advice was given by Shameeka Ayers (aka The Broke Socialite) on a Monday night in a panel discussion hosted by CRAVEAtlanta at Noon Midtown. She along with Michael Erickson (Fifth Group Restaurants) and Tucker Berta (Serenbe) lead a discussion entitled "Social Media Superstars." Here are a few pics from the event.

I'm always excited to meet fellow bloggers and tweet mates! Attending functions like this allows you to meet the voice behind your favorite blogs. When you all get together you feel like old friends!

Bloggers in Attendance:

Do you tweet? If so, leave your twitter handle/username in the comments section! Click here to follow me: @erikaatblulabel and join in the conversation!

MEET. PLAN. GET MARRIED.


On Sunday, May 2nd Michelle Gainey and her amazing staff over at StudioWed Atlanta are presenting "The Wedding Experience" at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta! This is the perfect opportunity to get assistance in planning your dream wedding and to meet the vendors who can make it all happen.  See the details below and click here to register!


Hope to see you there! P.S. I'll be on standby if you need assistance with taming your Bridezilla...

SUCCESS IS A JOB IN ATLANTA


"Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done." - Dr.Benjamin Elijah Mays
 

Yesterday served as my last day as a docent volunteer for the Decorators Showhouse and Gardens. Before I rushed out of the house, I spritzed on one of my favorite fragrances, Success is a Job in New York. Smelling this fragrance throughout the day reminds me that each step I take today (no matter how small) contributes to tomorrow's success. Case in point, my calendar this week is chocked full of events and socials that help to recharge by batteries when the road of entrepreneurship get lonely. I don't have a business partner to toss around ideas with or a design firm's name to add instant cred to my name. What I do have is a growing community of like minded people who all are finding success one step at a time.  We may not all have the same interests, but there is a common goal...a desire to fulfill our life's work.

What's better than being in an supportive environment where people are so open and generous about their resources? When you are secure with who you are and what you are about, there's no threat in helping your peers. There's nothing I hate more than a person with "the monkey in the barrel" syndrome. They all want to get out of the barrel, but each one wants to be the "first" one.  This mindset comes from the fear of not accomplishing a goal and witnessing someone else live their dream. If you suffer from this mindset, there's hope for you!  Keep in mind this quote from the great Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays,  
"Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done."  
What this means is that no one can take away from you what you are destined to do. You (if you're not careful) are the only one who can elude you from success. Your goal should be to become the best YOU, not the best DONALD TRUMP, etc. I'm in competition with (me) Erika Hollinshead Ward. She's a tough competitor because she's always trying to make 100.  I'm slowly catching up with her, but as long as she's still in my view I know I have a chance!


 I hope this serves as a motivator for you as much as it does for me. This was not the topic I planned for today, but this is on my heart. As for the pretty home decor pictures, check back with me later on...
HAPPY MONDAY, LET'S GET IT!

FASHION FRIDAY: BECKHAM INSPIRED LIVING ROOM


Fashion Friday brings a little eye candy for the ladies and more design inspiration for the fellas. David Beckham has certainly made a name for himself as a fearless fashion influence both here in the States as well as Europe. As seen below, he has flawlessly pulled off the juxtaposition of a tailored yet relaxed look.

His shirt, tie, and cardigan paired with rugged, faded jeans inspired the perfect mood board for a bachelor's living room. Feast your eyes on this!

And there you have it...A room that is as sophisticated, sexy, and awaiting cuddle time with your lady or a game night with the guys. Men (and ladies), I would love your feedback...Don't be shy.
Until next time...take good care.

KISS THE GROUND, HUG A TREE.


Happy 40th Earth Day! Today we celebrate the place where we all live and hopefully in the process become more aware of how we can do our part in preserving the Earth.  Even small steps such as choosing natural cleaning products can make a big difference!

If you're are interested in reducing the amount of chemical exposure in your home, here are a few of my top picks to get you started. These companies are also offering free shipping today in honor of Earth Day!

1. Caldrea
My aunt first introduced me to Caldrea via the linen spray and fabric softener. My first encounter with the fabric softener had me literally smelling my shirt all day long. I think people began to wonder if I was smelling to see if my deodorant had failed. It was the Lavender Pine scent that I could not get enough of! Now the linen spray had me wanting to iron every thread in sight. I also mist my linens with it before getting into bed, making the bed, and changing the sheets. I'm afraid it's becoming somewhat of an addiction.

 2. Seventh Generation 
I remember seeing this brand while shopping at Whole Foods, but had never given it a try.  It wasn't until I received a trough of these diapers and baby detergent while pregnant with the twins. I decided to read more about the company (I read EVERYTHING while on bedrest) and learned about the potentially harmful chemicals found in baby diapers and even had a (quickly) fleeting thought of using cloth diapers. Seventh Generation is passionate about their little ones and are currently rallying in Washington to reform toxic chemical policy with their Million Baby Crawl. Please check out their site for more info. The diapers are more pricey than the national brands, but they do offer coupons on their website...sweet!

3. method
I began using method on our wood floors when the kids started to crawl. I purchased their omop floor care kit in almond from Target and never looked back.  In fact, I also use their wood for good wood cleanser on our furniture.  The smell is amazingly fresh and clean and was a welcomed change from the pine-scented competitor! We also like method's grapefruit hand soap and the packaging is pretty cool, too!







4. Mrs. Meyers
If you are looking for a product that feels like it's been passed down for generations, you should try Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. Not only does she have the most delicious scented products, but she also gives good common sense advice about life, parenting, housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, etc.  Check out her series of videos here. She'll remind you of your sweet, little grandmother.

This is not an all encompassing list of products, just a few of my favorites. 

Have you considered integrating natural products into your cleaning routine? If so, what are some of your favorite eco-friendly products? Do you have any homemade cleaning solution recipes?


Have a Happy Earth Day!

HOW TO FRAME A BULLETIN BOARD


Have you ever attempted a DIY project that looked so easy a preschooler could do it? You then got half way through the project and wish you would've just bought the finished product instead? Well I almost had one of those moments when I began this project:


Here's how it all started...
 

I purchased this board from a thrift store for only 7 bucks!   HomeGoods sells the board on the right for $39.99. It's a great price, but not big enough.  So I said to myself, "Self, you can do this. There are tons of instructions on the web, just pick one."  I referred to Camila's post which is excellent especially if you are handy with the power tools. I, on the other hand, am a complete amateur when it comes to this stuff.


I decided to "wing" it.  After spending almost 45 minutes trying to help the associate cut my trim at a 45 degree angle "freehand" I left pretty frustrated with only the trim. Refusing to accept defeat, I consulted a fellow craft queen on the next step. She mentioned something about a mitre box and saw.  The clouds above opened up...an answered prayer!! I headed to the store, this time Lowes (closer to home), for a mitre box and saw and a few other supplies...


I carefully cut each piece using my mitre saw and nailed them to the existing frame with finishing nails. When the frame was in place, the edges looked like this. Not to worry...if this happens to you, then use wood filler to fill the gaps. When it dries sand it smooth.

 
After repairing and sanding, I wiped the frame with a baby wipe and allowed it to dry for about 5 minutes. I painted the frame with two coats of black satin paint allowing about 2 hours between coats. This stuff dried fast!  There was no need to apply primer before painting .  The trim pieces I purchased were already primed!

The next day my new bulletin board was ready to hang.


I'm so glad I stayed the course and did not give up! Plus, I would've hated to disappoint you all!  Only after I finished this project did I find an awesome video for framing a bulletin board on the Canadian House and Home website.  They had the wallpapered magazine files tutorial, too!!  Those guys sure know how to make everything look easy.

Have you been at your wit's end with DIY project? What was/is it? Did you complete it?

HIGH POINT 2010 SPRING TREND REPORT


Hot off the press, the High Point 2010 Spring Fashion Report...click here to view the full report!

BOOKCASE DONE.


I had lots of fun with the last bookcase inspiration post and even more fun carrying out the design.  In case you forgot here's a before shot...

I desperately needed a closed storage solution that would also bring a unified look to my bookcase.  I headed back to Ikea for inexpensive items from the KASSETT, FLYT, and BARNAS series.

And here's the final look...

The decorative items are there for placement until I find something that really tickles my fancy. As you've probably noticed, I gave that dusty stereo set back to my husband and instead enjoy music from my laptop.  I also removed a few of the jackets from my books for a cleaner look.  Other paperbacks are stored in the magazine files and boxes.


The baskets below are a great addition to the bookcase and provides textural interest. The old storage boxes found a new home in my kids' closets.  Again, I used my wallpaper treatment to glam up inexpensive cardboard magazine files. I love the reflective quality of the print and how the leaves shine in the sunlight.


So now all I have to do is label my files and maintain my new organization system!

My goal was to create a lighter look that's clean, well-sorted, and pretty.  Mission accomplished, don't you think? Be sure to meet me back here tomorrow. I can't wait to show you my most recent office DIY project!

HOW TO TOUR A DECORATOR SHOWHOUSE


I thought about you yesterday while standing in the Living Room of the ASA 2010 Decorators' Show House and Gardens.  For 3 hours I answered visitor questions regarding a space designed by Stan Topol and thought about you. I gathered the postcards provided of the actual spaces in the home to share with you for this post.

When cameras are not allowed to capture what you see, how do you translate these ideas for use in your own home?  With this question in mind, I came up with a few tips to help you get the most of your visit to this show house or any show house for that matter.

1. BE COMFORTABLE
This home has three levels and sits on 4 acres of lush landscaping and beautiful gardens. It would be a shame to divide your design focus or cut your visit short because of aching feet.

2. BRING A PAD AND PENCIL
Cameras are not allowed and your memory may not be very reliable either.  Sketch rooms, furniture, window treatments, or anything else that captures your interested. This will be very helpful when recalling vital details.

3. TAKE YOUR TIME
Schedule ample time for your visit and leave whining friends/spouses/children at home.  Furthermore, this is not a rushed tour so don't feel pressured to move through the house faster than you'd like.



4. ASK QUESTIONS
Many times designers will be in their spaces and are free to discuss their inspiration for the room and sources for their furnishings. In that short meeting you may decide to give that individual your business.




5. JOT IDEAS FOR YOUR CURRENT SPACE
Are you currently working on a kitchen design? Your kitchen may not have the same layout, but can still borrow the color palette, flooring, and lighting options.

 
6. PAY ATTENTION TO FUNCTION AND FLOW
Keep in mind the purpose of each room. If you are in a library, consider the lighting plan. Is there a combination of overhead, ambient, and task lighting? How does the designer compensate for the lack of natural light?

If you are in a living room, pay close attention to the furniture plan. How many conversation areas in the room?  How does the traffic flow in and out of the room? Observe the mix of fabrics and textures that make a room so comfortable/elegant.




7. UNDERSTAND THE COLOR STORY

Notice the flow of color throughout the house. Recognize how color effects the mood of the space. Is color used to camouflage flaws or accentual architectural details? What feelings do you experience while standing in that room? Is it one you want to recreate in your home? Write it down!


I hope these tips prove to be helpful on your next show house venture.  If you decide to visit this home, I would love to hear your thoughts.


Do you have additional tips on getting the most out of a house tour? Please let us know!

FASHION FRIDAY: RETAIL THERAPY & A CATWALK


So everyone in Atlanta is talking about Swank, the newest "impeccably stylish boutique" located in the Shops Around Lenox (across the street from Neiman Marcus). 

The owner, Emily Dees Boulden is definitely on the cutting edge of fashion and has the the ability to stiff out lesser known talent in order to bring her clientele latest and greatest.

But what impresses me the most is her drive and speedy rise to the top of the high fashion retail food chain.  In 2004 she earned a degree in fashion merchandising from Ole Miss and four days later joined Saks Incorporated as an assistant buyer.  Two years later, in 2006 she bowed out of Saks to open Swank in Birmingham, Alabama.  After creating a cult-like following in Birmingham, she ventured to Atlanta to open the newest store in February of this year. She's kickin' retail a$$ first, and takin' names later!

And when you leave Swank dressed so fierce that you're burning to hit someone's runway...well you can. Head across the street to Lenox Mall where Simon is holding its Model for a Day contest.


If you want to strut your stuff, get there by 2:00pm to register. Only the first 100 eligible entrants will be considered. There's an impressive list of prizes including a professional photo shoot with celeb photographer Derek Blanks. You remember him as the photog who shot the alter ego photos for The Real Housewives of Atlanta last season.


This photo was my favorite...Sheree nailed both characters, didn't she?

If you are looking to stretch your fashion buck, you should check out A Clothes Encounter Luxury Consignment Event also on this Saturday at Flirt and Flutter Lash Loft (cute name) from 4pm-8pm.  Actress and fellow UGA alum Kaira Akita is the event's founder.


A Clothes Encounter collects gently-loved designer, name brand, and vintage women’s clothing and sells them for 30% - 80% off retail at seasonal luxury consignment events in support of local charities.


Great clothes for a great cause, sounds like a win-win to me!

Where will I be this Saturday...celebrating my twins' 3rd birthday! We're hosting 25 babes, tots, and preschoolers along with their parents for an afternoon of inflatables and fun. On Sunday you can find me at the Decorator's Show House and Gardens trying to refrain myself from taking a dip in the backyard pool and of course showing you around if you happen to come by. If you miss it this weekend, don't fret. The tour will continue through May 9th. 

Alright, that about wraps up the week here...I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend. See you back on Monday!

GUEST BLOGGER AT LUXE + LILLIES



When Keely from Luxe + Lillies asked me to be a part of her series Wander Over Wednesday, I was glad to oblige.  Her blog provides her readers with the best in lifestyle features, travel destinations, and home decor.  Take some time read my post and to learn more about Keely!

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DECORATING.


Recently, I made a house call to a potential client who lives in a house similar to this one.


She and her family recently moved here from a much larger home and is looking to decorate using her existing furnishings as well as a few new pieces.

When decorating your home I believe the interior decor should reflect the character of the exterior.  With that said, which room would you expect to see in the home pictured above?

 If you chose the image labeled "C," then I would agree. Most homes built like this one are located in heavily wooded areas and sometimes sit on lakefront property.  Usually parquet floors can be found in the foyer, heavy wood cabinetry in the kitchen, vaulted cedar ceilings and a stone fireplace in the family room, skylights throughout, and sometimes a loft overlooking the family room.

Unless you are planning a complete renovation both inside and out, I would recommend going with a rustic style decor based on the existing architectural elements.  Instead of fighting what's already in place, try creating a continuous and harmonious relationship between the home's interior and exterior.  Even if a rustic decor is not your preference, you can still achieve a look you will love. Here are a few examples of how to combine rustic decor with other decorating styles.


Do you agree that the home's interior should reflect the character of the exterior? If so, which decor combination which would you select? If not one of these, what would you do?

{image credits: house beautiful, kelly hoppen, the iron bed, david jimenez, sarah richardson design}

2010 ATLANTA SYMPHONY DECORATOR'S SHOW HOUSE & GARDENS


Good Day! I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful weekend.  Here's an event to put on your calendar for next weekend...
Saturday, April 17th the Atlanta Symphony Associates will open its doors for their 40th installment of the Decorator's Show House & Gardens. This my friends you don't want to miss.  Last year's event was at the St.Regis Hotel & Residences in Buckhead where Atlanta's top designers showed us how to live fabulously.


Here's a peek of last year's design...



Womack Interiors designed this heavenly bedroom and also produced the video below discussing the room's details.




I am a Docent volunteer on April 18th and 25th so please say hello if you happen to see me! Enjoy your day!

{images courtesy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine}
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