Monday, March 22, 2010

FRAMED PRINTS

I (well, Brandon) hung a collection of botanical sea life prints yesterday at Melrose and they look fantastic. She now has 12, 14" square frames of coral reefs and such that hang above the sofa. I have been collecting inspiration images of hanging prints ever since I bought a set on One Kings Lane. Before I do a B&A post of them, here are some of my favorite rooms with prints.

[brabourne farm]

[unknown]

[unknown]

[beautiful things to share]

I really like these small framed prints above the bed. Just enough to add interest to the bare wall and loads of white (which I love). [nest egg]


The den is almost done so be on the lookout for a new B&A post coming soon! In the meantime, I will share other inspiration topics that make an appearance in the den and a DIY project my Dad and I did.  

Friday, March 19, 2010

ETHEREDGE ADOPTION BENEFIT

I wanted to take a moment to direct your attention to the Etheredge Adoption Benefit. My good friend (and co-worker), Brandi, and her husband are in the process of adopting two beautiful girls and I just constantly stand in awe of their passion. I truly admire their leap in faith to pursue this calling from God. I can't wait to meet the girls!


DESCRIPTION FROM FB PAGE/BLOG:
God calls us to love the widows and orphans, and as members of the Body of Christ, it is our privilege to honor and support those who take up this banner.

The Etheredge Adoption Benefit is our attempt to do just that. Brandi and Shane Etheredge have felt God calling them to adopt internationally for years, and now, the timing is right. The process to adopt S & M has begun.

We would love for you to join us on March 28th at the Cates House in Birmingham for a silent auction and sit-down dinner as we honor the Etheredges and help them make God's calling in their life a reality.

Tickets are going fast and space is limited. So, hurry and purchase today. Visit adoptionbenefit.blogspot.com for more info, to purchase tickets, or to donate!


The benefit dinner is having a live and silent auction and I am donating a few things. I have two paintings I am putting in the auction + 2 gift certificates for customized invitations and customized thank you cards. Here is a sneak peek of one of my paintings:

















(sorry for the bad resolution - the picture is from my phone)

P.S. I also volunteered to design this email (pictured above) and the blog header.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

B&A: MASTER BATHROOM

This is the first before and after post and the only room completely done. I can't decide if that is because it is a smaller square footage than the other rooms, or because it needed the most work? Either way, I think it turned out great and I love it. I can tell Melrose is happier too.

The previous owners updated the bathroom by installing a new granite counter top vanity and new tile flooring, but left the red paisley wall paper and boxy medicine cabinet. At first the yellow tile really scared me, but all she needed was a face lift.

before





















goodbye red paisley
















I all ready had all the hardware picked out + the color scheme. I knew I wanted to play off of the bedroom colors so I expanded from there. I chose Benjamin Moore's Horizon for the paint color. Against the yellow tile and bright lighting it appears baby blue, but in other lighting it appears more gray.


thanks mom and dad for your help!























finished



























































I love mixing gold (glass jars) and silver (hardware) together. Something about the richness and contrast of both metals...throw in rose gold and you would really have a fabulous trio.

Since the bathroom leads into the bedroom, this is a small hint of the scheme for the master. Now, the yellow tile is not so bad - I actually really like it. All she needed was a new accent color.

THE NAME

It started as “the simple things” but after careful thought and consideration (+ a lot of Kenny Chesney research) I settled on “the good stuff”. Anyone that knows me knows I am OBSESSED with Kenny Chesney. His music makes me feel so calm and relaxed as if I am laying on the beach with a margarita in hand watching the sunset. Or maybe at Crab Island floating next to good friends while watching boats exit the Destin Pass hoping to catch that "big one." Or maybe it is me on "Black Gold" with a rod in hand banking on reeling in dinner for the fish fry that night. Or maybe...oh...enough day dreaming, but besides that, I love his lyrics in his song “The Good Stuff”:


"'Cause it's the first long kiss on a second date.
Your Momma's all worried when you get home late
And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate,
'Cause your hands are shakin' so much.
And it's the way she looks with the rice in her hair.
Eating burnt suppers the whole first year,
And askin' for seconds to keep her from tearin' up.
Yeah, man, that's The Good Stuff."


"Was the sight of her holdin my baby girl.
The way she adored that string of pearls,
I gave her the day that our youngest boy, Earl,
Married his high school love.
And it's a new t-shirt saying, "I'm a Grandpa!"
Being right there as our time got small,
And holding her hand when the good Lord called her up.
Yeah, man, that's the good stuff."

He said, "When you get home, she'll start to cry.
When she says 'I'm sorry' say 'So am I'
And look into those eyes so deep in love,
And drink it up.
'Cause that's the good stuff.
That's the good stuff."


To me, life is all about living in the present, learning from your mistakes, and enjoying everyday to the fullest. I love little surprises and special acts of kindness – I think that is what makes the world go round. I am very blessed and have so much to be thankful for…especially “the good stuff.” 


KB's good stuff: family, friends, growing in my relationship with the Lord, painting, crafts, traveling, socializing, antiques, fashion, invitations, photography, blogs, and the list goes on and on. Those things inspire and influence me everyday. Please enjoy a few pictures of Brandon and I's "last" (yes, we have been to a few!) Kenny Chesney concert in Pelham at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre














Monday, March 15, 2010

BATHROOM INSPIRATION

My first B&A is going to be the master bathroom, but first I wanted to share some of my collected bathroom inspiration images. I like bathrooms real simple, clean lines, nothing on the counters, clutter free! I really LOVE gray subway tile, but that will be in my future house. ;) Enjoy!



I really like the hardware in this bathroom - the towel train rack, mirror, and glass shelf + the subway tile. This looks very similar to the accessories I picked out for the master. [katy elliot]


Love the beadboard and the all white looks so fresh and clean. [this is glamorous]


Chic idea of mounting a shelf along the chair rail. [brabourne farm]


[unknown] 

I like this idea of having two different vintage mirrors hanging to create separate his and hers areas. Again, love the subway tile. [unknown]