Friday Five

Welcome to the second installment of "Friday 5" where I'm highlighting five of my favorite finds for the week. 

Just love this image! 

In the midst of all my sourcing, here are a few items I saw this week.  

Saw this incredibly clever expandable extension cord on Brooke's (of Blueprint Bliss) Pinterest board.  Loved it.  I always seem to have things to plug in with the huge plugs, and so I have to skip an outlet in between.  Well, no more!

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On my recent girl's weekend shopping trip, I saw lots of envelop bags.  They are super current and a really great way to transform an ordinary outfit into something chic.  I'm currently crushing on this one by Rebecca Atwood.  Could be very fun for a casual holiday dinner party invite.

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The back is a black/metallic linen.  Yum!

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This is a sneak preview of the 2014 collection from Americh. 

Generally, I think bathrooms can come off feeling very cold and sterile given all the ceramic and glass ordinarily found in these rooms.  So, when I saw this clever free standing tub, I immediately thought about the warmth it could add to a bathroom.  This tub is not even on their website yet, so you will have to call for pricing.  It also comes in a silver finish and another style with a wood surround.

Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit?  This will do the trick!  This has to be my all time favorite candle scent.  It will transport you instantly to a whole new holiday place.  The scent is not like any other I've smelled - its not exactly evergreen or pumpkin pie or even blooming paper whites, but it is divine nonetheless! 

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Saw these fantastic two toned belly baskets in Serena and Lilly's catalog and loved them.  They are so super versatile - not just for a nursery.  I can see them next to a reading chair with magazines stacked high or  in a playroom with rolled blankets stuffed inside them for easy access.  

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Not interested in splurging on two tone baskets?  Well, make your own look alike with this tutorial. 

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Have a marvelous weekend, everybody.  M.

Friday Five

For the past month, I've been super busy with clients ordering/fluffing/preparing for the holidays.  It may sound crazy but with a lead time of 8-12 weeks, you have to start early to have any custom upholstered pieces by the holidays.  So, in an effort to get us all excited and in the mood for the holidays that will be upon us in just a few short weeks, I've decided to start a new series on Fridays called the "Friday Five."  This series will focus on all things holiday.  First starting with Thanksgiving and moving into Christmas.  

So, here are my five picks this week.

Pumpkin Apple Crisp

This looks so yummy.  When the weather gets crisp and cool, I begin to crave these kinds of desserts.  

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I did indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte this week from Starbucks - truly pumpkin pie in a cup!

Perfect Weekend Wear

I took a very fun girl's shopping weekend a few weeks ago and was on a mission to find the perfect trench coat.  It never materialized, but I've not given up yet.  Look how fabulous it would be paired with jeans and a navy sweater.  Love.

Cashmere and Gingham by bluehydrangea featuring post earrings

Relaxing Walks
The leaves here in Birmingham are turning the most gorgeous colors at the moment, and weather is so crisp.  My plan is to take a long walk on all the newly finished sidewalks in our neighborhood.   I may even find some natural materials along the way to use on my tabletops for the holidays.

Place Settings

This past week, I worked with a client on some fresh table setting ideas using her china along with a few new pieces to make everything feel new.  We worked on some ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even New Years's Eve.  Now's the time to get your ducks in a row for your table - before the rush begins. 

Look at this stunning table from Sharla Eck - I love the mix of green glass, gold charger, chocolate linens and natural centerpiece.  It makes for a casual, yet sophisticated table.  Love using a mix of patterns and styles on a table.

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Plethora of Before and Afters

If you love a good before and after, you are going to go nuts when you see these final reveals from the "One Room Challenge."  This amazing event is the brain child of the very talented Linda of Calling It Home.  Linda gathered a group of bloggers together to give one room a total makeover in six weeks.  The bloggers in the challenge have been posting once a week on their progress and this week they had their final reveal (which is of course, my favorite part!)

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One of my favorites is this stunning room by Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home.

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But every single one of these bloggers has included some clever ideas in their redesigns.  Go check them out (here's a link to all the rooms you will have to scroll to the bottom to see all the links - the ORC).  Enjoy your weekend! M.