Pantry Shelves

{Farmhouse Style}

Have you ever had that space in one of your rooms that needs just the right thing to complete it?  That was our dining room.  But what I envisioned and what was out there were worlds apart.  I searched high and low and rummaged through countless antiques shops... but no luck.  Fortunately I have quite the talented Mr. who loves doing this sort of thing!  So over the past week we played around with a few ideas, different measurements and several styles.  The end result?... A unique farmhouse style open pantry unit!  I'm totally in love.  And not one screw or nail was used.  We went old school and did it all with dowels.  I didn't sand it since I wanted it to look as old as possible and I stained it Weatered Gray for that vintage finish.

Here's the finished result and some of the work in progress. We are so happy with it! I apologise for the darker photos, we've had some rainy weather here in Georgia!

So I learned what a dowling jig was!

55 Willow Ave

{The Boutique}

I'm so excited, this week is full of some pretty big things!  I'm opening a boutique, 55 Willow Ave, inside an old historical Cotton Mill!  I signed the paperwork Friday morning and got the green light to start painting, building and filling up my space with all the things I've been working on these past few months.  We didn't expect to get a larger space, more than double the original and we also didn't think we'd get it until November. We have been working overtime from morning till night trying to get things ready.  But how exciting!  I'm so full of joy, this is a complete reflection me and my personal style, and each piece I make is with my own hands and one-of-a-kind. Most pieces are from salvaged barn wood and reclaimed lumber, making them truly unique! I think what makes anything you do fun is when you do it with all of your heart and it tells a story of who you are.  I'm telling you, I am having so much fun and I'm so passionate about it.  I'll be sharing sneak peeks of projects along the way and updates about the shop.  Hope you all love it as much as I do!

{A peek at some Bohemian decor}

{Farmhouse dining table in the making}

{Salvaged windows getting a new Life!}

{Barn wood planter}

{Bohemian Mobile Hanging}

{Fun Arrow Art}

{Upcycled Crates}

Autumn Cookin'...

I had to share one of my all time favorite dishes with you all, it's so simple to make and takes about 15 minutes prep work.  We love leftovers here in our house so I double up on ingredients.  The best part of a crock pot is you really cant overcook anything, which I'm definitely guilty of.  So here it is, super yummy and super easy for those busy days or cold nights! My measurements are estimates since I usually just throw it all together as I go with what I have in the fridge.

Package of Chicken Thighs/Breast 

(About 5 Thighs, also you can use beef)

2 Cups Diced Carrots

2 Cups Diced Celery

1 Sweet Onion Sliced 

About 5 Russet Potatoes Cubed or Quartered

3 Cups of Water

Chicken Broth (condensed) About A Can

Season As Much or As Little As You'd Like! 

If I have the time before dinner I'll make a side of rice for the chicken. If it's beef I'll leave the potatoes out and make mashed potatoes later. We tend to like a lot of pepper so adjust to your taste! I let that slow cook on HIGH for about 6 - 7 Hours occasionally peeking in on it making sure all the veggies are taking a long hot bath. I seriously love cold weather cooking, and on a night like tonight when it's rainy and cold it's so nice to have a hot meal waiting to warm those tummies!  And who doesn't love the smell of it filling the house?  

Enjoy those Crockpots and let them do the work for you! Happy Fall Y'all!

Sneak Peek

{55 Willow Ave the Boutique!}

So I kind of sort of decided that I'm going to try my hand at opening a "micro-boutique". What?! I know, right?!!  A long time dream of doing something creative and fun is finally starting to take shape.  It's still a few weeks off, but I'll be opening a real life

 55 Willow Ave mini boutique inside an old historical Cotton Mill. The place is home to so many creative minds, inventors, upscalers, and thrifters. My boutique will be focused on gorgeous repurposed and salvaged barn wood home decor and other one of a kind bohemian designs that I'll be creating by hand. I'm honestly so excited that I decided to go for it, watching things come together is one of the coolest experiences.  It's a ton of work trying to get everything together on time but I always think of the quote, "Nothing worth having comes easy".  

We're working hard, like really, really hard and building some of the most beautiful things full of love. I'm so proud of us, proud that we're going for it, and most of all, excited to see where the future brings us! So definitely stay tuned, I'll be sharing a lot in the upcoming weeks! 

The 100 Day Project

{by The Great Discontent}

When I first heard about this Project I was a little hesitant to join, I mean 100 days is a long time to commit to something on a regular basis, let alone a creative-type project that focuses on consistency.  I thought about it on and off for a weekend... what my project would be, what I could feasibly do for a full 100 days and most of all, how could I grow from this? By the end of the weekend I had decided I was going to do it and what I wanted to focus on.  I knew at this point that if I didn't participate I would regret not trying.  So here I am, day 3 of my 100 day journey.  I chose to focus on everything that brings light to my life, whether it's people, journaling, a beam of sunshine, a family walk or that perfect cup of coffee ~ and photograph it. It's something I've been working on for a few years now.. focusing on the joy in life and ignoring all that bad stuff that we all seem to have thrown our way.   So this project seemed like a perfect way to keep me focused on all the things that make my life shine, even on those cloudy days.  {#100DaysOfAllThatShines}

The second and most beautiful part of this project is the people I'm going to meet.  Last summer I did a 30 Day Sketchbook challenge & I couldn't believe the beautiful and creative souls I met on my journey.  Not only did I focus on my gift but I made true friends during it!  So that's part of the fun in this, too. Focusing on what you love and meeting great people along the way. I've already met some incredible artists, singers and talented folk in the past 3 days & I am so excited for the next 97 awesome days ahead!

As a side note:  It's not too late to join and catch up!  I think that once you try it and take that leap of faith you'll just love it and really sink into what it's about.  It's such a beautiful way to meet a whole community of fellow Instagramers trying something new.  And if you have any questions I'm always here.
And more info about the project at:
The Great Discontent

Georgia Bound

Well, it's the day before close on the new house and the excitement level in this cabin is THROUGH. THE. ROOF. All the lose ends have been tied and we are now patiently waiting to drive down tomorrow out of these gorgeous mountains and into our shiny new home.  I honestly thought we would never see this day.  For 12 years we have been renters bouncing from place to place never feeling completely settled.  But here we are, embracing a brand new chapter in our lives together.  It's been such a stressful and crazy awesome adventure, ups and downs, but here we are... just hours away from our big day!

I wanted to share a few pictures from our journey while I can; packing, travelling and spending some time here in the mountains.

Our place back in Oxford, New Jersey getting all boxed up last week. A bittersweet goodbye.  

Our cabin for the week in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.  We couldn't stay in our old place with nothing for over a week so we had to find a place where we could cook, do laundry and would accept our furry family. Plus we needed to be local enough to get all the last details for the new house worked out.  And somehow this beauty qualified as "temporary housing" since his company would be paying for it.  

 

 And even though my guy had to work from home a whole big bunch we still got to venture out and explore the quaint town of Blue Ridge & go on some pretty amazing walks at sunset.  I even met some rad local artists and chatted with them for a while in their studios and look at all their goodies! One of the most fun days ever!  What a blessing to connect with other artists.

There was no shortage of delicious local homemade ice creams and food that this girl just couldn't pass up.

And a very delicious dinner at The Harvest on Main in Blue Ridge

We absolutely enjoyed our evening walks along the Cartecay River.  Clearing our minds and getting some fresh air has done wonders for the soul.  We are so beyond thankful to have this time here to rejuvenate ourselves and unwind before the next chapter begins.

And now we are starting to pack up yet again here at the cabin, making sure all the puppy toys are packed, no little toy mice are left behind and loading up the suitcases.  It's been a wild and fun adventure so far, and it's only just begun.  We are so excited for our fun new chapter, hand~in~hand embracing all that life gives us!

{Insert Fun Here}

Painted + Gold Pots

Even though things are nearing the big moving day, I still have to find time to insert some fun into the craziness.  I had a sweet friend send me a Painted + Gold Clay Pot Tutorial on Pinterest the other day and I just had to try it out!  So I grabbed some art supplies that weren't packed up yet and got to work creating.  I just love how it turned out.  It's a quick and super easy project that completely makes any terracotta pot look glamourous!  Here's some bits of my painted adventure.

Day Planner Love
{and I mean LoVe!}

The second awesomely fun thing is this cute day planner/journal that arrived today.  It was back ordered for such a long time, but the other day I decided to check since I'm in desperate need of some serious organizing, and there it was in stock!  It's everything I hoped it was, love at first sight!  And if you have a total obsession with stickers it come equipped with 5 sheets designed just for the planner.  I know, right?!  I feel like I'm 5!  So here are some detailed shots and a link in case you just have to get one like I did.  Time to pour a cup of coffee and start pencilling in my to-do's and agendas!

Molang Kawaii Day Planner/Journal

The whole planner is the perfect size to take with you solo or throw in your purse.  And I love that the front has his cute little face and the back has his tushie!

And some extra pages for those special notes you need to remember...

At the begining of each month there is a different little artwork that had me smiling and flipping through to see the next one as fast as I can.

It comes with so many fun stickers to decorate each month or an individual day with. The planner has a monthly and then a weekly planner for 15 months. Did I mention how in love I am with this?

There's even two little pockets in the front for stickers, page markers, sticky notes, or anything you feel like stashing away!

So that's my obsession at the moment, and I fully intend to pour myself a hot cup of coffee and start filling this little cutie up tonight! 

Design Crush Monday

Lately I'm allowing myself to daydream a bit more about our new home.  Before now it was too distant and too much needed to get done before I could swoon over designing rooms.  And while I'm still not in the house yet, we are at least close enough that I can start thinking about all those little things I just can't wait to do! 

Today I've been dreaming of my new Art Studio.  It will be upstairs in a tucked away corner of the house where I'll have the most peace.  It has one rather large window and a huge closet for all my extra supplies. I love having open shelving and pin-boards so I can access my paint brushes and tools quickly and glance over at my to do lists, projects and upcoming events.  And as usual, I love my earth tones!

Here's some Desk Inspiration:

  

 



And since we're making this our forever home I'll finally be able to splurge on some tools I've always wanted but never got.  So I'm seeing some serious closet organizing in my future! I adore the idea of seeing your tools, paints and craft accessories and having them displayed in cute containers that are just as sweet as the stuff they hold.  And perhaps a little spot for that sewing machine I've always wanted?!

I fell in love with the color pallet that was here in this house already, so I'm thinking of replicating it.  It's a two tone earthy brown and slate grey, so I'm thinking one of these pretty little color pallets will look beautiful in there.  I want to keep it light and bright but have that warm cozy feeling, too.

So this afternoon I finally allowed myself to dream a little dream of a cozy art studio full of music and life and many days of happy creativity... and how sweet a dream it was! It's so good to just let our minds wander sometimes and be inspired.