let there be light: guest bedroom sconces

One of our guest bedrooms has tiny (like, teeny tiny) bedside tables. Since lamps won't fit very well, I've been looking for some pretty wall mount sconces to go on either side of the bed. I've scoured my the web and as the story typically goes, there were about a million scones I absolutely loved that were waaaay out of my price range. For example the Boston Functional Library light from Circa Lighting.

{ first seen here and I've been in love ever since }

How cool/amazing/drool-worthy are these?!  I thought they would bring a great masculine/industrial touch to the guest bedroom. Until... um, I'm sorry, what's that? 336 bucks, a piece? No, no thank you. Not in my budget. So, the hunt was still on. After more searching, I decided to stick with something a little more traditional, figuring it would be friendlier on my wallet and easier to work with when we are ready to change that bedroom into oh, I don't know... something else. I found these at PB. I really liked the style. The scale is great - they still feel substantial, not too dainty. At $298 for the pair, they were not a complete steal, but combined they were cheaper than ONE of the Circa Lighting sconces.

While hunting for reviews of the PB sconces online (I have a love/hate relationship with user reviews) I stumbled across a pair very similar on copycatchic.com for $19.99 a piece! Yes, that's right, under $20 per sconce. Jackpot. They are from a website called lakeside.com. Thinking I had stumbled across some gem of a website, I browsed around looking for some other mega-bargains. But unfortunately, the rest of the site looks like a Skymall catalog. So unless you're looking for holiday themed compression socks or a giant cat scratching post that a looks like a tree, you should probably just skip the website all together. Not bad, huh?

All things considered I might like the PB sconces a little bit more, but that all goes out the window with about $250 in savings. What do you think? Pretty close, huh? Directly above the bed I am planning to hang six framed egg prints. Something like this,

I think the sconces on either side will create really nice balance. They came in this weekend and I have to say, they look pretty good! We've still got a long way to go before that room is completely finished, but I'll be sure to share a sneak peek of the sconces when they're up.

today i love: old try

This print was a belated housewarming gift from BW's best friend. I absolutely L-O-V-E it. For those of you outside the fine state of Tennessee, this is our state flag. The print is from the husband and wife design duo, Micah and Marianna Whitson, of Old Try. After receiving one of their beautiful prints for our own home, I started noticing their work everywhere. First while cruising around Garden and Gun. Then, while browsing through pics of the Southern Living Idea House (a full post on that to come!)

The dixie-bred pair (he's from Alabama, she's from North Carolina) currently reside in Boston and I think they say it best on their website, "Faulkner said to write what you know. Well, as a couple that works in advertising in the cold north, we're going to do one different: we're going to design what we know." Nothing like a good 'ole pair of southerners making cool stuff. Here are a few of my very favorite products from their site.

{ the mason dixon }

{ better together }

{ ATL, GA.... trust me. just, say it fast with a drawl }

{ and also, shirts }

spicy turkey meatballs and spaghetti

My sister-in-law has inherited the most incredible sauce and meatball recipe from her Italian grandmother (J... if you're reading this, I want that recipe). I don't have an Italian grandmother, but I do have Ina. As far as I'm concerned, she's the next best thing. While far from Italian, her meatballs are ah-maz-ing. And obviously since they are made with turkey they are zero calorie healthy healthier than the alternative.

{ spicy turkey meatballs } adapted from here*

• 1 1/2 cups bread cubes from rustic bread, crusts removed (I used the Tuscan Round from Trader Joe's)


• 1/3 cup milk


• 1 pound ground turkey


• 1/4 pound sweet Italian sausage (about 2 1/2 links)


• 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, finely chopped


• 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese


• 1 tablespoon dried parsley


• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano


• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes


• salt and freshly ground black pepper


• 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra for brushing the tops of the meatballs


• 1 egg, lightly beaten


• 2 jars marinara sauce (I used Trader Joe's Tomato Basil - it's my favorite store bought sauce)


• dried spaghetti noodles

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the bread in the food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until the bread is in medium crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and add the milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, sausage, prosciutto, bread mixture, Asiago, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Lightly combine the ingredients with your hands. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and the egg, and stir with a fork to combine.

With your hands, lightly roll the mixture into 2-inch-round meatballs and place them on the prepared sheet pan. Brush the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tops are browned and the centers are completely cooked. Pour the marinara sauce in a large pot, add the meatballs, and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions on the. Drain and place the spaghetti in individual bowls, and top with meatballs and lots of sauce. Top with parmesan, serve and enjoy!

* I cut the original recipe in half and had plenty for leftovers. We used the leftovers to make meatballs subs. to. die. for.

{ photo }

crave or save: ballard designs olivia mirrored side table

I've seen the UO table pop up on a few of my daily blog reads and I've been thinking about scooping it up - it would be perfect between two side chairs in our living room. Of course, I have yet to actually break down and buy it. Then, while I was flipping through the most recent Ballard Designs catalog I spotted a VERY similar table at twice the price. Besides the mirrored top I do not see any differences. I would pick the cheaper table everyday of the week.

birthday wishlist

My birthday is exactly one week away, so I am sharing a few items that are on my wishlist - which technically is more of a "wishful thinking" list. Nonetheless, I would be beyond thrilled to receive any of these items on my special day. Hint, hint.



1. Pilcro Serif Legging Jeans - During the fall winter I live in boots, so I desperately need a new pair of jeans for tucking in my boots. My fave pal Sam gives this brand rave reviews, so I think I may forgo my trusty J Brands to try 'em out.

2. Madewell Archive Leather Boots - I've searched high and low for the perfect everyday boot - my current pair is ready for the trash, sadly - and I'm obsessed with these. I'm already planning outfits around them... yes, I plan outfits around items of clothing I don't even own. More often than I'd like to admit, actually.

3. J.Crew and Kate Spade bangles - granted, buying all of these would cost a small fortune, but hey, a girl can dream can't she? {from the top: J.Crew Scrolled Link Bracelet, J.Crew Classic Medium Bangle, J.Crew Classic Pave Link Bracelet (my fave of the bunch and coincidently the most expensive. Typical.), Kate Spade Heart of Gold Bangle, J.Crew Classic Link Bracelet}

4. Illume Sweet Olive Blossom Candle - one of the most delicious smelling candles. Don't let "olive" throw you off. It smells nothing like olives, thank God. I've been through several of these. Can't. get. enough.

5. Tory Burch Small T Logo Studs - I usually wear pearl studs, a wedding gift from BW, so these puppies would be a great way to change things up a bit.

6. Steve Madden Vegass Leopard Flats - the perfect pointy toe leopard flat. Need I say more?

7. Tory Burch Amanda Wristlet with Crossbody Strap - I have been looking for a little crossbody bag for those days I just can't deal with my suitcase regular purse. I think this little guy would fit the bill!

i {heart} this house: coastal living ultimate beach house

The 2012 Coastal Living Ultimate Beach house is open. It is in Rosemary Beach, just minutes away from where we vacationed last week. As much as I would have loved to tour, I was not willing to sacrifice one minute of beach time. The goal is to soak up as much sun and eat as much seafood as possible, right? If so, mission accomplished. However, looking through pictures makes me the tiniest bit upset I didn't see it in person.

The house was designed by Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors. Who I L-O-V-E for so many reasons. 1. She's stinking adorable. 2. Her work is amazing. I die a little inside - in a good way, of course - every time I see a room she's designed. 3. She went to Auburn. 'Nuff said.

So feast your eyes on this ah-mazing home... I'm drooling.

{ the entry }

{ the foyer. the only reason I included this photo was for the light fixture and fiddle leaf figs - LOVE }

{ guest bedroom 1 }

{ guest bath }

{ guest bedroom 2 }

{ sitting room off kitchen }

{ living room + kitchen }

{ living room + dining area }

{ dining area }

{ all the appliances and dishes are neatly tucked away from the living space, which looks amaze, but not practical for folks like BW and me who spend most of our time in the kitchen eating cooking }

{ master bedroom }

{ master bath. DYING over those huge drawers and beautiful pulls }

{ little cozy den }

{ the bunk room }

{ the game room }

{ the most adorable striped ping pong table }

{ guest bedroom 3. love the headboard and wall color. want something similar for our master. am I the only one who has an issue with plates above the bed? I mean... in any other room of the house, it's great, but the bedroom? just me? }

{ media room }

{ perfect place to curl up and watch a movie }

{ movie snacks. where are the rasinets? }

{ little girls' bunk room. hands down cutest room of the house. }

{ loungers + pool }

{ beautiful outdoor cabana }

Isn't it amazing? What's your favorite room?

{ all images via }

right on target

Umm... have you heard about this? Target has partnered with 24 CFDA designers and department store Neiman Marcus to create a killer holiday collection to be sold both in stores and online starting December 1.

The designers on-board include:
Alice + Olivia (um, yes.)
Altuzarra
Band of Outsiders
Brian Atwood
Carolina Herrera
Derek Lam (yes, please.)
Diane von Furstenberg (YES!)
Eddie Borgo
Jason Wu
Judith Leiber
Lela Rose
Marchesa
Marc Jacobs (dying!)
Oscar de la Renta
Philip Crangi
Prabal Gurung
Proenza Schouler
Rag & Bone
Robert Rodriguez
Rodarte
Skaist-Taylor
Thom Browne
Tory Burch (shut. up.)
Tracy Reese

That's one heck of a list! According to Target's website prices will range from $8 to $500 (really, Target?), with most items coming in under $60. Each designer reportedly created one to three items.

While there's no word yet on specific products, Target promises the collab will include "home décor, pet products, sporting goods, and more." The full collection will be revealed in October, but I'm hoping some photos will leak before then.

I had high hopes for the most recent "The Shops" collab featuring Privet House, but I was a little underwhelmed. Was I the only one? Hopefully this collection lives up to the hype.

{ source }