INSPIRATION COLOR OF THE WEEK: SHADES OF PURPLE

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We had beautiful weather and it was nice to be outdoors. With that being said, I was inspired by a particular color blooming in our garden. . .

The color inspiration for this week is purple; in hues from plums, to violets and lavenders. 

 

So, what do we know about purple?  It comes from a combination of red and blue; total opposites.  Red is fiery and full of energy.  Blue relaxing and calm.  The color purple is an uplifting color and calm at the same time. 

 

When I think of the color purple, I think spirituality, bravery and a higher power.  During the season of lent, the priests and bishops wearing purple robes.  For those soldiers wounded in battle, the United States Military awards them with The Purple Heart.  And, in Thailand, widows wear the color purple when mourning.

 

Image via Wikipedia.com
 

 

When I think of the color purple, I am inspired by these things:

 

 

Choward's Violet candy.  Memories from my childhood and still loving the taste!  I felt like an adult eating these.  To me, they were grown up candy.  I guess because it was an acquired taste and smell. 

I felt like an adult eating these.  To me, they were grown up candy.  I guess because it was an acquired taste and smell. 

Beautiful, Elizabeth Taylor and her famous violet eyes (image)

And for those of us that weren't blessed with violet eyes, you can play up your eye lids with purple shadows. 

Makeup by ilovemyaddiction via MakeupGeek

 

Here are some purple fashion looks from Forever21:

 

Outfits via Forever21 (images from left to right):  1// 2// 3// 4

 

Inspiration pictures of purple hues in the home:

Designer, Amy Morris via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Loving this room.  It looks so peaceful and relaxing with soft shades of purple in artwork, a throw, accent pillows and bench.  Pairs nicely with pops of brighter colors (like the turquoise and yellow in this pic).

Designer, Amy Morris via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

I have no idea what the purple flowers are that bloomed in our backyard but love them!  Any idea what they could be?  The image with the frog is Burgandy Glow (Ajuga Reptans) Groundcover.  They have little purple flowers blooming this time of year.  My sister calls this groundcover, "the cabbage" (lol).  She likes the cabbage. 

The scary part is, when I can't remember the real name, I call it the cabbage. 

Lavender colored flowers from the chives in our garden (had no idea they flower!);
Catmint in our stone ledge, planting beds

xo,

SWEET TREATS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

 

1// 2// 3// 4// 5// 6// 7

 

Happy Monday and Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Whether you celebrated early on the weekend, or planning something today, wishing you a safe and pleasant Irish day. 

 

Here are some inspirational treats to get you in the mood.

 

xo,

 

 

 

 

Elegant Living Room

Elegant Living Room by joann-325 featuring ballard furniture

Don't you wish you can design your rooms and change them out, like they do at department store windows? I know I do (lol). There are so many design looks to choose from that it's hard to narrow it to one space you will hope to love for a long time. I've learned over the years it's easier (and cheaper) to change accessories to create a new look for your home.

I created this elegant living room look for someone who loves the contrasting colors of black and white/ivory with gold accents. Creating different looks (online) is fun to do and it doesn't cost me a thing (lol).

Enjoy the weekend!

xo

Nature-Inspired Holiday tablescape

With Thanksgiving just weeks away, I'm pulling my thoughts together for ideas on creating my Thanksgiving tablescape.  My inspiration is all things natural; rustic touches with a bit of shine and sparkle.  The board I created above, are some touches that inspired me.  Stay tuned for what I come up with for my own table!

 

Candle Obsession!!

 

I have a confession . . . I'm addicted to candles. 

If you look around my house, you will find candles in almost every room:  bathrooms, kitchen, family room (five in f. room) and bedrooms.  Those are the candles that are out.  Let's talk about the hiding spot my husband found in the guest bedroom closet.  Mr. D found my stash of candles and approached me the next day.  He said, "I went to put something away in the guest bedroom closet."  I replied, "ok".  He then asked, "Is there something you want to tell me?"  I replied, "No. What?"  He then said, "You have a large collection of candles hidden away."  When he went in the closet, he said to himself, "What the hell is this" (lol).  I said, "I know.  I have a problem . . . I love candles."  He agreed I have a problem (haha).

In my defense, I can't be the only one.  I know I'm not . . . my sister is a candle hoarder too!! (Sorry Rose). 

There's something about a beautiful glass jar or a tin and the design of the candle that draws me in. I love the packaging of a pretty box; like a gift waiting to be opened.  

But, I have to love the scent.  Scents I love are linen, vanilla, amber, fig, patchouli and sandalwood.   My favorites are Sandalwood et Vanille by Aquiesse; Cedarwood & Patchouli by StoneGlow; Baltic Amber and Crisp Champagne by Voluspa (that I always buy from Anthropologie); Esque by Northern Lights and Vanilla Quince Santal by Caldrea. 

And, with the holiday season, there are wonderful fragranced candles to choose from to set the mood for Thanksgiving and Christmas (a few displayed above).

Wishing everyone a Happy Friday!  Enjoy the weekend . . .  go out and buy a candle!