Painted Floors

Yesterday I came across Jessica Thuston's kitchen in a Southern Living email. She is one that I have posted MANY times before. I was absolutely smitten instantly. The whole thing is good, really good, but the floors is what grabbed my attention first. She simply painted out the hardwoods into a sort of rug with painters tape. What a statement it makes for very little cost. I am sure it will only gets better with age as it wears with use.

Of course, as it usually goes, this little e-mail sent me down a winding path to find more painted floors. These are a few that jumped out at me...

Looks like most of these would be easy to accomplish with painters tape or a good stencil. Would you dare to do such a thing? I personally would love to, but since this is not our "forever" house I would not attempt it. Wonder if I could do this over the linoleum in the laundry room though instead of a rug. Now that would be something that I wouldn't mind trying!

images:

1 and 2 Southern Living

3 Elle Decor via Perfect Gray

4 Not Sure. Let me know if you do!

5 Apartment Therapy

6 Country Living

7 by Nate Burkus

8 Cottage Living

Show Girl

Over the weekend Ellie was in her second horseshow. She was so confident and this mama was beaming with pride. She was in two classes and came away with a first and second. She rode better than I have ever seen her do before. She looked like a little pro. She simply amazes me. Sweet Ellie is already awaiting her next show.

*pics taken with iPhone. Bad mom/photographer moment. Ha

As of Late {inspired images}

For those of you who don't instagram with me these are a few things that have inspired me as of late...

If you recall we had a beautiful design drawn up for our yard out back, unfortunately due to budget constraints it's just not a smart move for us right now. There are a couple of things that I do hope to accomplish and that I have been slowly saving up for. First on my list is to add pavers among our gravel and remove part of the garden in that one area. It has become weedy and out of control. It really looks awful. I think something just like this would help make it look uniform and give the Mr. a great area to grill in.

Jennifer Morrison's house was in the February issue of InStyle. I instantly fell head over heels for it. The kitchen I am absolutly fawning over. Can't get it out of my mind really.

This is Fishy Fish. He was KJ's one Christmas wish. I thought I wouldn't be a fish kind of person, but I must say I have enjoyed having him around. At times I find myself just sitting there watching him. The Mr thinks I am crazy. Ha! The bowl is by umbra and I couldn't be any more happy with it. You can also buy multiplies and they can stack. He sits in our kitchen and it adds a modern element that I love.

This was my first book of the year to read. We choose it for our book club, which I adore by the way. We read a book a month then meet for dinner at various places around town and discuss. Such a fun night that I eagerly look forward to. I read The Great Gatsby in High School and we won't even discuss how long ago that was. It was quick, easy, and a great read. I can't wait for the movie!

A Lavender Cake {gluten free}

Over the Holiday I came across some Gluten Free mixes at Home Goods. I grabbed them up so quickly it may have bordered on embarrassment. One of the mixes was a lavender cake by Wholesome Chow and I must say it was AMAZING!!! It was super easy to make and most importantly it tasted like a true treat. I personally liked it warmed up so days after I put it in the microwave for a quick reheat. I enjoyed it both for breakfast and dessert. I hope to try some more flavors out soon! The Chai Spice cake is on my radar once my month + of Paleo becomes more relaxed. I always enjoy a good body detox during my 21 days of prayer. Yes I am a walking contradiction. Ha.

Well Done {Kelly McGuill}

I can't even tell you the last time I have browsed the web for inspiration. Lately I have been taken a liking to lounging on the sofa with a good magazine. The other day I did take the time to view a few of my old blog reads and I must say I had forgotten how brilliant Kelly McGuill was. She is a woman of many talents and decorating just happens to be one of them. I was thrilled to find out she also began blogging again on O so D. Here are a few spaces from her home featured in Yankee this past fall. I love the mix of new and old. Her collections are well curated and keep the space from looking cluttered. What I love most though is that they look like spaces that can be lived in and lived in well. She is one I will not forget anytime soon.

Photos for Yankee; photographed by Eric Roth