Greetings all, happy weekend, it’s time for another round of ‘Best of the Blogosphere’.  My pal Amanda and I rounded up some inspiring finds, we hope you enjoy! 

How cool is this twig chandelier?  Modeled after some swankier more expensive versions hung in designer spaces, Miss Bee pulled off a stunner!

Have you seen the house flip by Liz at It’s Great to Be Home?  This white zig zag backsplash is one of several stylish choices, don’t miss the tour! 

Tiffany showed us all how she reupholstered her wingback chair.  Follow her step by step over at Living Savvy.

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Happy Friday friends, I’m so excited for the weekend!  I have plans to go see ‘The Help’, have you seen it yet?  I hear good things!  Meanwhile it’s time for another weekend giveaway. 

I think you’ll be delighted with this online shop, it’s Felix Doolittle, a site filled with some of the most charming personalized stationery I’ve come across in a while.  Felix Fu is an artist who paints simple yet beautiful watercolor images and is known for his signature style.  Lovely!   

Felix Doolittle is home to many original designs and a fantastic source for everyday writing papers and tablets, birth announcements, return address labels, magnets, bookplates, moving announcements, and note cards.

They have personalized chef medallions and canning labels too!

There’s something so charming about these nostalgic stationery products that reminds me of those simpler times long ago when instead of a text message, friends would drop their calling card when paying a visit.  Despite the conveniences of the digital age, nothing will ever take the place of a personalized handwritten note. 

Felix Doolittle is offering two lucky winners a $75 shop credit to select something very special.  So many items in the shop would make wonderful gifts, you must visit! 

Eligibility to win one of two $75 shop credits to Felix Doolittle:

1)  Hop over to Felix Doolittle and pick your favorite thing.  Name it in a comment.

2) For additional chances to win, link to this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter, then leave additional comments telling where you linked.

3)  Another chance to win if you “Like” Felix Doolittle on Facebook, simply leave an additional comment. 

Two winners chosen by Random.org.  Giveaway ends Monday August 22 at 8 p.m PST. 

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Winners are Maggie Eickhoff and Erin Young, emails sent to you both! 

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I’m such a fan of Pinterest and find myself pinning my favorites quotes from time to time.  I got to thinking how easy it really is to create your own free printable word art with free online editing software.  Not everyone has access to Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, or the skills to use them proficiently like many talented graphic artists. 

I know the basics of Photoshop, and work with it from time to time to make inspiration boards, but most of the time, I turn to the free and very user friendly software programs provided by Picasa (and Picnik) that I’ve mentioned in the past.  Nope, I’m not getting paid to say, it, I just have been using these two for years and love what they can do!  I use them often for my own photo editing and watermarking but they are equally great for creating your own artwork with fun fonts. 

If you want to make your own free printable word art for your home in any color, style and font you love, it’s really easy if you follow a few simple steps.

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Hello!  I love it when the day comes to feature a contributing writer!  We always discuss what topic would be interesting to the readers, and this month Michelle came up with the idea of rustic style and how it’s making a comeback in a new way.

Take it away Michelle!

“What do you think of when you hear the phrase "rustic décor?"  Do you think of log cabins, plaid flannel, and grizzly bear rugs?  Well, think again!  The current design trends in rustic décor are chic, romantic, and anything but predictable or kitschy. 

Gone are those dark wood paneled walls from the seventies.  These days, smart architects and designers instead think upward.  Open wood beams are one way of putting natural wood on display and channeling a rustic vibe when the rest of the space is decorated with traditional or modern furnishings.  The beams provide an interesting and rich contrast which draws the eye up. 

Tracery Interiors, Atlanta Homes Mag

 

House Beautiful

 

Sutton Suzuki Architects

 

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G’day all, it’s almost fall!  Well, we’re still experiencing high temps around here, and we’re all still in summer attire, but I saw a few leaves fall from the trees and float through the breeze at a local park yesterday, and just then I began to feel ready for autumn.  *sigh*

Of course you know I’m a huge fan of Matthew Mead and recently worked with him on a holiday photo shoot in my home.  Look for that issue in October.  While we wait, there’s yet another source of inspiration that’s solely dedicated to the beauty of fall.  Matthew has another bookazine on sale now: it’s Autumn with Matthew Mead. 

Autumn is drawing near, with its warm flavors, colors and cozy traditions.  September will soon bring those changing leaves and cooling temperatures.  I’ll be craving pumpkin spice lattes, dressing in scarves and boots, and bringing out those chenille throws, fragrant fall candles, and roasting butternut squash in the oven, can’t wait !  The kids are already planning their Halloween costumes too.

Matthew’s Autumn bookazine is sure to inspire you and it’s available for purchase right now to have it shipped in early September to your home.

Buy your copy HERE !

Good news though, I have a free copy to giveaway to one of you too!

Eligibility to win the free bookazine: Autumn with Matthew Mead:

1) Leave a comment naming one of your favorite things about fall, that’s all.

2) For additional chances to win, link to this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter, then leave additional comments telling where you linked. 

One winner chosen by Random.org.  Giveaway ends Sunday August 21st at 8 p.m. PST.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to #94, Megan P. I sent you an email!

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