nest egg

A Bookcase Facelift

Over Christmas I was able to relax at my parent's house in Birmingham. Sitting in their peaceful library with a dog at my feet and a cup of coffee is one of my favorite things to do. So while I was there my mom bribed me into I got the *delightful opportunity to rearrange her library bookcases!!

A lot of people struggle to find books, pictures, etc. to fill their bookcases with. My parents have quite the opposite problem: They have TOO many books in their bookcases.. and other random clutter. As my mom likes to say "Toooo  MUCH'A  STUFF!" 

When I remembered to take the 'before' picture we had already taken out a bookshelf on the lower right hand corner so just picture more books there. For the record- and to give my mom some credit- the BEFORE picture is not bad!!  (In fact, the AFTER picture is not a dramatic difference. Just small changes that lighten up the mood.)

before

after 

 Before: It was just a little too crowded and dark. (The crowding making the darkness worse... as does the fact that it was night time- my bad.)

After: a fresher, brighter look that makes the room feel more alive without sacrificing the home's specific personality (a face lift indeed :)

some tips...

* Shed some light on your books! If you are having trouble with lighting and don't want to pay to add recessed cans or sconces consider putting a small lamp for additional light. In this case I added one of my mom's favorite little lamps to temporarily fix the darkness. 

*A while back I posted some bookcase tips my grandmother taught me. (Click HERE to check out even more tips than the ones below.) In this post I said it's important to mix books, artwork and accessories. In my opinion it would be to mix 70% books, 15% framed artwork or photographs, 15% accessories (I prefer pottery)

* Take that 15% and find some of your favorite pottery and/or sentimental pieces. But narrow it down!

   .....before.......   ....after......

 
 *Stack books in both directions.

*Layer photographs or pictures. Don't just stack them in front of books. Try placing them behind a horizontal stack of books.

*Pull all of your books to the front! This is one of the first things I notice when I go into a room with bookcases. So if you are planning on having me over don't be offended if you catch me sticking my arm behind your books and pulling them forward. :) No judgement here, just a nervous tick.

*Most bookcases are installed where the adjustable shelves form a perfect grid. And most people just leave it like that. But just because 10 shelves were made doesn't mean you have to use all 10.  I recommend taking out a shelf in spots, moving them around, or shifting them a bit so that it's not so gridlike. (see pic below)
*On the other side of my parent's library there is a TV and clunky components. If you style it right all those things begin to disappear...

 
 
* I don't always recommend hanging pictures on the front of bookcases but in this particular library I thought it be a good addition. What do you think? Keep it or leave it?

*Add organic materials- like wheat or soy beans... just kidding. Are you still reading?  But seriously- organic as in plants, flowers, twigs, bowl of fruit, etc.

 *Try using accessories as book ends. 

 

*Or if you have a lot of small collectibles group them close together instead of spreading them out across the bookcases. Like in this picture, on the bottom left shelf you will find 3 small picture frames sitting on a stack of books. (click to enlarge) **shoot, I just realized one of the frames must have fallen down. oops**

* Don't ignore your bookcases. In most rooms they have SO much potential to make a space look GREAT!

* Have fun with it. Put what you love in your bookcases... and if I'm ever in your library feed me strong coffee and bribe me with Christmas presents.

 Facelift complete.

p.s. thank you so much for your votes and sweet comments yesterday! Meant the world to me. Y'all are the best cyber friends I've ever had!!! xoxo

 

 
 

Homies

How great is this dining room by John Saladino?

Honestly, I would like ANY room with that window/door in it.

 

In other news...
 

I have been nominated for 2009 Homie Award put on by Apartment Therapy. Even though the rest of the design world has also been nominated it makes me feel very special that readers like what they see here! Thanks for being such great supporters. 

But if you are interested in finding new, great shelter blogs you should check out all these homies! The list is FULL of inspiration.

And if you'd like to vote for nestegg you would make my day. I know I don't really have a chance of winning considering the voting ends at the end of the day TODAY !!-the 29th- (jeez, I'm behind!)

Anyway, If you're interested click HERE to vote. (you have to register and then add this blog as a favorite)

And thank you!

I'll be back soon with better posts. 

Ok, one more pretty picture...

another Saladino...

(sigh)

images from elle decor and his website  

Merry and Bright*

Merry Christmas!!

We're at home with family in Birmingham. 

Internet/phones have been down for the past 3 days. And to top it off the power went out the other night. No reason... a squirrel must have gotten some happy feet on the transformer out here in the woods.

 It's been kind of nice... and gives us an excuse to light every single candle in our house. 

My mom and I decided some 'greenery' was much needed in her table setting. Luckily we live in a wooded area with lots of moss so we grabbed our flashlights and went on a midnight hunt for moss.

Came back with a bag full!

 

I'm signing off for the week, but before I do- 

What's Christmas without a few humiliating Christmas cards from years past...??

 

My mom (left) and her two sisters in front of their country christmas tree straight off the farm.
  

My first Christmas... (or second?)

Ahhh yes. The year we put a donkey in our christmas card. That's my little brother, Cooper. (and the boy to the left? no idea.)  

 

 A drawing by me, 7 yrs old. Check out my Dad's creepy face...

 
the picture that went with it... as always- strangling our animals.

 

Although it's been said

many times, many ways

Merry Christmas    to you!

 
 

Share.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it's hard to keep grounded... atleast for me. The pace is so hectic, the shopping, the traffic, the ticking time bomb of buying gifts!! I find it to be alot like wedding planning. You can easily get so tied up in the details that you forget what you're even celebrating! The week before Christmas always tends to stress me out and keep me distracted from the REAL reason for the season. Instead of making a list of what I don't have I should be making a list of what I DO have. 

On this blog I talk and dream about the concept of HOME. The safe haven. The familiar smell. The one place you feel truly comfortable...  Your home.    Now can you imagine what it's like to not have one? When I think about the millions of people in the world without a place to call home I get weak in the knees...

So this Christmas I encourage you (and  MYSELF) to share your nest egg with those who have never had one. 

Here are a few gifts that I would never regret giving:

give freedom,

Fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves by donating to The International Justice Mission, 

give a voice,

stop puppy mills by donating to The Humane Society (yes, I had to put that picture)

give hope,

 help to end world hunger by giving to Heifer International

give education,

Give someone a Mekong Blue scarf and change the lives of others! More info here. 

give a shoebox,

 Donate to Operation Christmas Child to bring joy to someone's life this season.

give presence*,

As much as your family or friends might drive you crazy during the holidays be present this year. Spend quality time with the people that you love.

LAST BUT LEAST $

give prayer.

 

This Christmas pray for those around the world that are less fortunate than we are. I truly think it's the best gift we can give. 

There are SO many wonderful organizations out there!! I could go on forever. Feel free to share one of your favorites in the comments below.

I hope you all have a great weekend..

 <note from Children's Letters to God, (that adorable book!!) and last image from Martha Stewart>

A Christmas Cottage

Is there anything about that title that isn't enticing? A home is much cozier during the christmas season... but a cottage?? Even better.

This has always been one of my favorite articles out of Cottage Living's December issue back in 2007. 

 

And it just so happens that the owner,Kitty White, lives in Birmingham in my (old) neck of the woods! Kitty decorated this adorable cottage with the help of the fabulous architect Bill Ingram and designer Betsy Brown. 

I love her use of natural elements such as berries and birch wood for decoration. For more ideas on how to use branches to decorate click here. 

*The wall paint throughout is  cloud white  by Benjamin Moore.

I love this idea: Instead of the traditional sofa/chair combo in front of a fireplace, she put four comfortable chairs around a coffee table.  

Beautiful living room... and tree! Dang. 

 The window panels are the opaque linen window panels from west elm! In white. 

AND the seagrass rugs are the color-bound ones from Pottery Barn. 

<insider tips from Cottage Living>

 

TTN: the mix of materials here is genius. The rustic ceilings mixed with the classic marble countertops, the industrial light fixture mixed with the polished nickel (double**) sinks, the traditional barstools mixed with the metal backsplash behind the cooktop... the mix goes on. 

And notice what appears to be a wood cutting board in between the sinks-?? See it above? Now look at the picture below...
 

Yet another clever detail that allows for mobile counterspace and easy cleaning.
 

*The floors were designed by Ingram: diamond-patterned bluestone outlined with strips of hardwood.

A high-backed banquette and table create a small dining nook in the kitchen.   

  

I love the dark trim and doors in this house. Notice the dark painted shutters in the dining room- if they were white it wouldn't be the same... Agree?

As for the walls: Kitty painted this design herself- with the help of masking tape! (and patience, I'm sure:) And the ceiling: glossy?! Great, unexpected addition.
 
 
 once again... a good mix.

 

 

Kitty, the homeowner, now sells her own fabulous creations- from hand painted fabrics to jewelry to children's clothing! Click here to visit her designs online.

 
 
 Lastly, in the article Kitty states: "I'd rather have a small space with beautiful finishes than a big space that compromises the details."  With the current state of the economy I think we'll see a lot of this in the upcoming years- and in my opinion it will be a pleasant change. 

all photos from Cottage Living and Southern Living

  

50 Gifts under $50

Get Ready.

I have compiled 50 great gifts and have been adding to this list for a few weeks to make sure it's extra full of finds. I didn't divide them into mens, womens, kids because alot of them are gender neutral- and I don't want to offend the female readers who would like a toolkit for Christmas. Cruise through this list and I guarantee you'll find the perfect gift for someone!

*Click on title of each gift to link to website

Art Set, (which includes practically everything a creative junky needs), Garnet Hill, $25

Horned Bottle Opener, stylish/functional (no marital arguments here!), Anthropologie, $28 

Linnea Poster Calendar, *my sweet aunt gives me these every year! And I am not really a 'calendar person' but I'm not kidding- these prints brighten my month. Frame it and prop it up in the kitchen for some extra color. Linnea Designs, $28. And if you want to be extra nice you can add an 11x14 frame to your gift. Click here for a good one. 

Mens AND Women's cashmere socks, Garnet Hill, $24 

  
Prints from Lollie, my friend and wonderful artist, check out her etsy shop for more, $35

Gift of Chicks, $20.00, Heifer International- Great charity! "Heifer helps many hungry families with a starter flock of 10 to 50 chicks. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year - plenty to eat, share or sell. With Heifer recipients' commitment to pass on the offspring and training, the exponential impact of adding chickens to communities in poverty is truly a model that helps end hunger and poverty. "- click on title for more info

   

Handpainted measuring cups, set of four, Anthropologie, $32
 
 
Glove compartment tool kit- I even need one of these!, Restoration Hardware, $22 

Photo Puzzle- make a puzzle with personal pictures!, Kodak Gallery, $24.99

Leather coasters, monogrammed, Pottery Barn, $29

Colored Glass tumblers, Set of 6, Wisteria, $34

 
Neck warmer , Wuvit, Mom's will wuv it., $19

 Satin Jewelry Traveler, so handy and stylish!, comes in other colors, Jcrew, $39.50 

 
Tabletop Air Hockey!! You know you want one. JcPenney,(seen in Real Simple), $29

My Favorite Cookbook. Ok, I know that's a big claim so I'll just say it is in my top 3. Amazon, $23 

  
 
 West Elm Boxes, personalized, natural bone, or lacquered, great gift for anyone!, from $12-$49

Super stylish dog bed, (don't forget your pets!), Molly Mutt, $38 

 
 
 Penguin Hardcover classics-  Remember how I recommended taking off ugly book jackets to make your bookcases look better? Well, now you don't have to! These are beautiful editions to some of the classics like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, etc., Amazon, around $13 each. 

 
 
 

Make Your Own Monster Kit! Fun for kids (and adults!??), Reform School Rules, (seen in Real Simple), $24

  
City Neighborhood Posters, super cool, for those that love their city. Ork Posters, $22 

 Customized Sigg Water Bottles- eco-friendly, "cool people" use them :), make it personal, $28

Marshmallow shooter,you heard me!, Neiman Marcus, $25

 

Travel Journals, Hable Construction, $35

The Good Card.  A gift certificate to the philanthropy world. You set the price, recipients pick the charity.  

 

LL Bean Classic Totes! Can't go wrong...L.L.Bean, starting at $17

Or these from Ballard Designs...

Personalized and only $25!

 
 Men's sueded jersey, Jcrew, $49

Women's Fleece pullover, Jcrew, $45 

Roberta Roller Rabbit Napkins, $8 each 

 

Duvet Footies, Restoration Hardware, 

 
  A subscription to House Beautiful or Elle Decor , $10... Come on! Keep them alive!

  
 
 Or my other 2 faves: Flower mag and  Everyday Food, $15 

Melting Bud Vase, Anthropologie, $14 

 
Catch Phrase! One of my all-time favorite games. $27 

 Baby on the way? Get them a personalized onesie made with care by Brooke from Blueprint Bliss!, $12

Monogrammed mugs, Anthropologie, $6 each

 
 Scarves from Wisteria, $29

St. Jude garment bag- all proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, $29

 

The best winter candle ever. Thyme's Frasier Fir, $26

 
Personalized Notepads... Like lists? Me too. Like pictures to remind you that your 'to do' list is not as important as your family or friends?? Me too.     These are from Picpads- all you have to do is send them a picture, they do the rest. $32 for 2 list pads

 
UP on DVD, anyone at any age would like this movie, $16.99 

 
Nate Berkus Greek Key Tray, stylish addition to any home!, $49 

 
Dinner Conversation Napkins- for adults, kids, and teens. Great way to get the table talking! Wisteria, $23 

Tocca candles set- includes 4 different fragrances (so you're guaranteed to get atleast ONE they like!), Sephora, $42 
 

Weathered Wood Jewelry Cabinet, Urban Outfitters, $36
 

AM I AT 50 YET???

Ahhh yes, 

And a partridge in a pear tree.  Kate Spade Card set, Sax, $35

Happy Shopping! Feel free to fwd this list to your friends and family as a subtle hint.

And for more great ideas check out Style Blueprint's lists. Click here, here, and here.

XOSanta's Helper

Vintage Christmas

One of my favorite boutique stores in Nashville is one called Gilchrist-Gilchrist. I recently went in the store and felt like I walked into a winter wonderland. No joke. But it's always like that- The whimsical cottage feel, beautiful vintage finds, the laid-back vibe, good company, soothing music, ALL result in one charming store. 

The owner, Genia Gilchrist, takes shabby chic to a new level. I knew she had style but THEN I saw her house in Southern Living... MAJOR style. Good thing she shared some of her Christmas decorating tips!!.. Here are a few:

 

Welcome guests with festive porch planters. {These are filled with small spruce trees and filled with magnolia leaves.} Keep it simple, keep it green. (that's my input. Ok, now my input is in green)

That's Genia! She's sweet as pie. And check out her boots! :) 

 

Indulge your senses- and put a jar in the family room full of Christmas cookies. {Yup. Ours cookies would be gone within a day.}
 

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree- MORE is better.

 

Sneak in Sentimental pieces. Her tree skirt is made out of an old petticoat- a gift from her friend. She took the skirt apart at the seam and laid it around the tree base. ....{ I want one!!}
 

Set the mood with mercury glass.

 

Genia is a big fan of mercury glass- and how can you argue with her looking at these gorgeous pictures?? Click here for her very helpful tips on buying mercury glass.
 
 

Tie it together with One Color. 

Each year Genia picks a color and buys different types and textures of ribbon in those colors. She ties them to all of her wreaths and even wraps her Christmas presents in them that year! (see picture above of the gift under the tree- Such a good idea! )

 

Use clear glass to serve as a subtle back drop when displaying Christmas decor.
 

Hang garlands in unexpected spaces. Don't limit them to front doors and banisters... For fresh garland she recommends The Garland Farm. (Love this image)

Wreaths of three unify a space.

Another one of her style secrets: Stack a few wrapped presents in unconventional spaces to add pops of color in any room!
  

 

Group heirlooms or collectibles together to make an impact. (Looks a lot better than having them scattered throughout the house, doesn't it?)
 
 

Dress up great finds like this vintage window frame! And mix metallics with fresh evergreens. 
 

Embellish what you already have. 

Genia incorporates vintage bottlebrush trees and reindeer into her year-round mercury glass collection. She then adds sprigs of greenery and seeded eucalyptus for accents.(this pretty picture reminds me a lot of her store)

To read Southern Accent's full article click here.

And if you are ever in Nashville you must stop by Gilchrist-Gilchrist. Genia's home is just a glimpse into the unique pieces you'll find in her store. Not to mention the friendly little butler that greets you at the door. (Click here to see him)

 And the bedding!!  Oh, the bedding. Which reminds me- I ordered a gorgeous pillow and have been meaning to pick it up from her for weeks. Genia, if you're reading- I promise I haven't forgotten! But I think it'd be best if we met at your house. OK? Ok, cool.   :)

 

All photos through Southern Accents by Laurey W. Glenn

Southern Accents Article by Madeline Crawford
  

Good Things

1. A Face

Unpacking Christmas stuff and finding this dude:

 

2. A Candle

I had heard about it several places- Style Blueprint and Blueprint Bliss to name a few- and was intrigued... "the best christmas tree candle out there"??? I wonder...

 Then I walked into a client's house last week and immediately said "Oh my gosh-WHAT is that amazing smell?!!" Thyme's Frasier Fir, ofcourse!!

Let me tell you something-the rumors are true... this candle is amazing. 

 

Go get one.

3. A Great Movie

I saw The Blind Side this weekend... SO GOOD! I absolutely loved it. Hoyt did too. It was such an encouraging, beautiful story that will have you walking out of the theater ready to change the world (and totally forgetting about the fact that going to a movie now costs $10/person) !! 

4. An Ornament 

Three years ago my mom gave us a few ornaments for our Christmas tree. One of the ornaments was a little orange cat that resembled Hobbes. 

Hobbes ignored all the other dangling ornaments... except this one. His mini-me. He literally HATES his mini-me and freaks out every time he sees him.  

 
 The ornament will disappear for months and every now and then Hoyt and I will see him-- or what's left of him...

  

Poor guy... never saw it comin'.

 5. A Bookcase

My new office has been a complete MESS.. until now. I got the BIG expedit bookcase from Ikea! Hoyt was sweet enough to put it together tonight and it has already made the biggest difference. As soon as I clean my office I'll post a picture... promise. But if you're needing something inexpensive to help you get organized- get this bookcase.

 5. NestElf

 
This year I have been moonlighting as  Santa's helper- finding gifts for kids, wives, the whole family. (I love it!)  I have done quite a lot of online shopping, looking around stores, frequent trips to the North Pole, and flipping through magazines and have found that almost every store is featuring gifts under $50. I've picked some of my favorites and am working on a 50 under $50 post for last minute gifts. Stay tuned!!

 

 
  

Wreath Shopping

Hey friends,

Have you started decorating for Christmas? Are you finished decorating for Christmas? Well... I haven't started. So if you are on the same boat as me you probably could use some spiked egg-nog inspiration. One of my favorite things to decorate with is....

the wreath

via cottage living.... What a great picture!!! Want to eat it up. 

via domino mag

The traditional wreath's circular shape represents everlasting life because it has no beginning and no end...

via martha stewart

via country living

source unknown

via martha stewart.... for a similar look see 'moss wreath' below. 

Where to hang?

Sure, you can put it over the mantel or on the front door. But consider stepping outside the box this year and place your wreath in a different location. Here are some ideas...

< all images below are from country living unless otherwise noted >

Hang a simple wreath in a room you spend a lot of time in. 

I love the picture above because the greenery is all you need to add the perfect pop to your white kitchen. 

hang a wreath inside an empty vintage frame

or on your cupboard... or buffet...

dried crimson cockscomb glued on a grapevine leaf... for a similar look see 'crimson blossom' below

little wreaths made out of boxwood clippings and wreath wire! Great way to add life to your shelves!! I think I may do this... anyone have a boxwood I could borrow? :)

Wreaths don't have to be traditional- you can stick things you like on them.. like in this case- gilded starfish and sand dollars.

I love the image above... The color combination is so subtle and peaceful. Hang a small wreath on the end of your bed like the one above made out of paperwhites.

Or like the ones in this beautiful room...

 
image via southern accents 

A grid of smaller wreaths makes a statement on this blue wall...

Where to buy?
Here are some wreaths I have seen around town, in magazines, and online that I really like (and hope to get one this year!)...

If you are in the Nashville you should check out Santa's Trees- they have the most gorgeous garlands and wreaths you'll find in the area- read more about this local company over at Style Blueprint. I trust these girls... you should too. 

I have to admit. I prefer my tree and wreaths to be fresh (it's the smell) but some of these artificial wreaths have been singing to me lately. And you can't beat the fact that you can enjoy them year after year...

 

Green Berry wreath from Target... $22 

 

Pomegranate Wreath- Restoration Hardware... $35-$65

Williams Sonoma's Fall Wreath... pretty, $149 

Moss wreath from Timeless Elements, $89

Simple, classic square wreath from Garnet Hill, $86

 
Crimson blossom wreath from Crate & Barrel, $59.95 

Succulent wreath!  from VivaTerra.... it's ALIIIIVE!!

I'm loving this one this year.  (From Roost Co.- to the trade) $30. If you are interested in getting one of these leave a comment or email me... I'll hook a sista/brotha up!

 
Ornament Wreaths from Z Gallerie, $20 

Last but Least $
 

Berry Wreath, Pier One, only $19

Which wreath do you prefer? 

The living, the berry, the ornamental, the leafy fall, the natural, or the square?