Summer Holidays

Although I got started a little late with my holiday decorating (thank you, grad school), I did manage to get a few festive items up around the house last weekend for the upcoming holiday.

I never really did much of anything in the way of décor for the 4th of July until I went to a craft store one summer recently and found some adorable items that I couldn't resist.  Now, I decorate our home during the summer months, which is a nice addition to the holidays-to-decorate-for list and makes me really appreciate the summer holidays, too, for something other than just nice weather. (Although that is good all on its own.) Here's a peek at what I've managed to get done!

The stars are up on our dining room table tree. (A Christmas decoration item that has become a permanent fixture on our dining room table.)

I imagine my repertoire of summer patriotic decorations will grow over the years, but for now, the intent is to keep it simple. 

I find holiday-themed towels are a fun and inexpensive way to dress up a kitchen.

And of course, my favorite part of the decorations--the patriotic décor balls sitting near tealights in a hurricane vase. 

I love this area because it feels nautical and summery. 

My mom always made holidays special for us and I want to continue that tradition with a little one in the house now. My mom never did anything over-the-top, but always had very thoughtful, special items during holidays that we helped her place. 

Are you ready for the 4th of July festivities? What fun things do you have planned?

Cheers,

Samara

Interior Design Updates

Since I have had the pleasure of being indoors SO MUCH this winter (thanks a lot, Mother Nature!) I have noticed the bajillion mini projects that need attention in our home and the items that needed hanging  and have been sitting for months. 

Last week, our handyman was kind enough to drop by and help us knock a couple of things off of this list. 

ONE--In our dining room, we finally hung the shelves underneath our mirror. 

I always envisioned a row of tea lights illuminating the mirror for a very artsy, contemporary look. I absolutely love how it looks!

TWO--Since before I was married, I wanted my bedroom a shade of green (my favorite color). When I got married and our wedding colors had an earthy shade of green in it, I thought having the room painted green was not only a perfect and calming color for our bedroom, but also a subtle nod to our wedding colors. 

My husband got an AMAZING deal on the picture (now finally hung!) above our bed. The painting is a picture of our wedding rings--hung on the branches of the trees that were on our wedding reception tables--turned into a canvas painting. 

We still have several projects left, but it feels good to get ANY of them done. 

Cheers,

Samara

Five on Friday

I'm hoping your week went by as fast as mine. Can't believe we've made it to Friday again. With that said, here is this week's Five on Friday. Enjoy!

1. Winterscapes

I've always loved snow up until just after Christmas. And then, I've always wished for it to go away. I mean, what purpose does snow serve once we are done "getting in the spirit" for Christmas?  Since this is not usually a reality in Michigan, I decided to embrace winter this year. (At least as far as décor goes.)

We decorate our tables with beautiful flowers in the spring and pumpkins and gourds in the fall, but what about that period after Christmas and before Valentine's Day, spring and Easter? Aware of the decorating void during this period, I decided to decorate our dining room table with my best "wintry" interpretation. 

This time of year means tree branches and abandoned pinecones as the leaves have all blown away. With that in mind, I threw a few pinecones and candles on the table atop a rustic, burlap-like tablecloth. 

I am absolutely LOVING it. Very simple and serene.

2. Downton Abbey

I could probably include this on each and every one of my "Five on Friday" posts until the season is overwith because it is THAT good. Every Sunday at 9 p.m. I am glued to my tv anxiously awaiting the fancy dinners complete with long gloves and tiaras, witty exchanges and the scandal and hoopla that is the servant quarters. 

3. Fashion Week

The New York Spring 2014 Fashion Show is officially underway as of yesterday and I cannot wait to see what comes of it. 

Above is one of my absolute favorite color combos!

4. Custom Closets

Until just before the arrival of our son, the second bedroom closet served as my own personal closet and my husband used our bedroom closet for his closet. Having to downsize to sharing a closet has proven to be a bit chaotic and definitely CRAMPED. 

With that in mind, we bit the bullet and sprung for a professional closet company to come in and take a look at both bedroom closets. Above are the blueprints and the process will begin late next week. I cannot wait!

5. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas)

 This one is WAY exciting. I found out late last week that I will be heading to the Virgin Islands--specifically St. Thomas--later this year. Although I wish I were going NOW with the winter we're having, I am so grateful and excited to be heading to this destination. 

Above are pictures taken from the resort we will be staying in. 

Did I mention I'm excited?!? 

Cheers,

Samara