Daydreaming

After more than a year, I've finally updated my desktop background to this lovely watercolor beach setting.  With spring right around the corner, I'm ready to bid adieu to this winter season (albeit mild), and let white jeans and sandals rule my wardrobe.

Happy Friday!

Merchant's

We had a client lunch at Merchant's downtown yesterday, and it's rare that I see this wonderful old establishment in daylight.  I couldn't help but look at all the details highlighted by the sun through the large windows.

The building was constructed in 1870, and was home to a pharmacy on the lower level, a hardware manufacturing company on the second level, and a wholesale drug company on the top floor.  That top floor was famous for making "Blood Medicine," which consisted of alcohol and opium.  The restaurant operates on the first two levels, and keeps the nostalgic charm of the old pharmacy on the first floor.  I absolutely love it.  Check out the photos below.  These are original chevron floors my friends.  The color palette is black and white, and marble graces all the counter tops, floating above the worn black leather stools.  Even the servers play up the retro theme in suspenders, bow ties and crisp white button down shirts.

If you love history and architecture, you should make this a must-see on your next trip to Music City.

All b/w photos via Merchant's

Auld Lang Syne

Well this has been a very strange year for myself.  And writing this post today (which would have been my Granny's 92nd birthday) is also odd.  So much has happened this year that has really changed my perspective on things.  Before looking at what I hope the next year brings, I'll reflect a bit on my post this time last year...

1 - Did I upholster more?  I didn't do one damn thing.. ha!  Life has been busy and that's okay.  I'm not even going to put this on my list for next year because I think I'll just pay a professional to upholster anything beyond basic dining room chairs.

2 - Did I help others?  I wish I had been more altruistic this year, but I have made a step in the right direction. By joining the Junior League, we must fulfill a 40 hour placement at a program affiliated with the League.  I'll start working on my hours in 2012. (count that has a half check mark!)

3 - Did I recycle more?  Uhhh... home run baby!  This tree hugging gal pretty much recycles everything I can. If I had enough patience/time to compost I would probably do that too.  It's easy for me to recycle though, because I'm sort of annoyingly obsessed with it.  Picturing crap in a landfill that can be used to make something else makes me hot in the face.  I've tried to encourage my parents (who do not have roadside recycling pickup) to do the same, but they won't.  That's something to work on with them.

4 - Counted my blessings?  Yup.  And still counting.  The first thing I took of my grandmother's after she passed away this year was an old book first published (by Simon and Schuster) in the 1940's called, Words to Live By.  I almost think she meant for me to find it.  Very inspirational and reminds me that people have always struggled with the same obstacles in life and this book of inspiration and wisdom gives me hope when I'm feeling down.

5 - What about Harry and Sally?!  Timing is still off (per the usual).  So Sally is moving on to bigger and better things :)

So what about 2012?  I'm not making a list this year.  Instead I'm hoping that new doors will open, and new beginnings will bring excitement and cheer.

Best towels, and cheap too!

As I was folding towels last night, I got to a stray bright white one that made its way into my laundry basket for the first time over the summer.  I was headed to the pool one afternoon, and of course when I was almost there I realized I forgot a towel (doh!).  Kmart was close by so I hopped in and picked up one that was cheap ($4.99!) and soft.  Well that towel was ahhhmazingly soft and absorbent.  I really don't like buying towels (who does?), but have decided moving forward to only purchase white ones (for a clean look and easy hot wash), and perhaps only these.  Check them out here...

Quick Dry Bath Towel via Kmart

A flair for vintage

I'm not sure why I don't post more about antiquing.  There are some awesome antique stores in the Nashville area, and I get so lost in my own browsing that I forget to snap photos.  Well I went to one of my favorites yesterday, Gas Lamp Antiques, and as always just fell in love with everything in one of the first booths (prime, prime real estate).  The booth is called A Flair for Vintage Decor, and Caroline, the owner, also blogs about her booth and treasure hunting.  Here are a few of my favorites from her little store...

These lamps and the table with claw feet are super cool.

I would probably use this bar cart with tassels and caster wheels as a side table.

Christmas Eve

Happy Holidays!  Looking forward to wrapping up the year and moving forward into 2012!

A few of my newest Pinterest obsessions.  Once again, dreaming of owning my own home (sigh).

I love everything about this nook.  Dark walls, light draping and upholstery; vintage wall art; small shelves stuffed with books.  It's the ideal reading corner.

I typically don't like white walls, but with so much color around the middle of the room and that tall dark secretary, I can dismiss the walls.  The sofa = l.o.v.e

I pile tons of crap on my side table, so this one would be functional and charming.

Hello gorgeous, I see you over there!

Complete organizational giddiness right here folks.

Ummm... yes I'll have a drink you handsome handsome man trunk.  I might even sit in one of those lucite chairs and chat for a while.

Ultimate girls room-slash-lounge.  Perfect for a studio NYC apartment.