BASEMENT/LAUNDRY MAKEOVER

I guess with my nesting and spring cleaning in the air, the hubs and I have been in full force organizing around the house (my idea, not his). I love for things to be orderly and organized - I believe everything should have a "place". Sometimes that item may not always live in its place, but I like to know it belongs somewhere in Melrose. Otherwise, it is outta there! I try to eliminate all clutter and get rid of any knick knack random items that don't serve a purpose. That is just me. And I definitely try to donate all those items - I'm sure somebody sees them as serving a purpose! 

Well, the main organization project has been in the basement. Living in an older house, we do not have much closet storage space. Luckily, we have a handy, unfinished basement for the overflow. It mostly consists of cinder blocks, concrete floors, plywood walls, and dust. In a dream world, I would love to finish off the space and design a combination of these photos -

But that is not going to happen! It may one day be a rough play room, but until then it just serves as our laundry room, tool shed, and storage space. I have been able to organize it enough to have a work space for my craft and design projects, so that is nice. In the next week or two, we are hanging a peg board above the work table so Brandon can have somewhere to hang his tools. I hate having a work bench covered in tools so you can't use it! Here are some basement photos that I found and have been referring to while this project takes place - 

 I love plastic bins. And I love for them all to match. Call me crazy. I buy the same color/brand and store all our extra linens, party supplies, christmas decorations, seasonal decorations, and anything else we have a collection of in these. I also have pretty labels for them!

 I don't think I'll take our peg board as far as monogramming it, but this is super cute.

 This would be an ideal laundry area for our basement, but we just don't have the time, patience, or bank account to make it work. Although, hanging the curtains to disguise the cinder block walls are not a bad idea. 

Floor to ceiling peg board walls would be awesome. I like how everything is able to be hung so there is no clutter on the floor. 

What is your spring cleaning routine? Do you get excited over organizing a cluttered space, or do you dread it? I'm sure I'll be back at it this weekend getting ready for Baby Owens! So much to do, so little time! 

DESIGN WORK: bids for bridges

Here is a quick post with a recent poster I designed for a local organization raising money to support the Camp Bridges Foundation. Every year they host a wine tasting and silent auction to help support camps and programs for children with heart, liver, and kidney issues. Here is a snippet from the foundation with more information -

Camp BRIDGES Foundation provides camps and programs at no cost for pre and post transplant children, teens, young adults and their families from Alabama and neighboring states.

We create a fun and educational environment for heart, kidney, liver, and lung transplant recipients that encourages positive self image and healthy transplant living.

Those served receive and provide peer support and form lasting friendships to better cope with the unique challenges of transplantation.

It is a fabulous fundraiser and I was thrilled to help out with this event. This year they wanted to update their look and promote the new name of the event, Bids for Bridges. Here is the poster I designed -

To order tickets online, click here

If you are interested in custom design services, please feel free to contact me! 

BLACKBERRY FARM

Hi all! This post is over 2 weeks late, but what can I say - I'm struggling finding time to post in between planning for Baby Owens, decorating the nursery, design projects, spring cleaning, and simply life. Oh well! 

I really wanted to take the time to do a special post to highlight the amazing Blackberry Farm that we visited for our anniversary/baby moon. I could not of been happier with our choice for the weekend. The entire property is beautiful and so serene. It provided the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and care free getaway. The service was spectacular - from the moment we arrived, the staff addressed us by name and knew every little detail of our weekend. We were constantly flooded with "Happy Anniversary" and it made the stay so special. They truly cater to your every request and that is not something you find at every resort. And it is all very genuine and sincere so you don't feel like you are being treated like a tourist. 

Besides the amazing service, the food was beyond delicious. I will admit, if you don't love food and are not willing to try new things, this place is not for you. Since the meals are included in your rental, you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most unique combinations that you wouldn't find at other restaurants. I truly enjoy the whole experience of a "meal" so I thought it was fantastic that you were served a 7 course dinner over the span of 2 hours. The staff can explain each dish down to every little seasoning in case you get confused - which we did quite often! 

We stayed at the main house which resembles a bed and breakfast and our room was decorated to a 't'. Breakfast and lunch are served here with dinner at the barn down the road. The main house has several cozy spots to kick your feet up and relax - from the sofa and fireplace in the den, to the patio overlooking the Smokies, to the always burning fire pit. 

Here are some pictures (apologies for the iphone quality) from the weekend - 

 

we stayed in MAYAPPLE

Check out the beautiful fabric wallpaper! I wish I had taken a picture of the bathroom because it was black and white gorgeous-ness. 

our view of the Great Smokies from MAYAPPLE's window

The game room -  this room was open to all guests for lounging and entertaining. There is also a workout room downstairs. 

before dinner - 26 weeks preggers!

the largest guest house for rental on the left and the barn on the right

The barn - dinner is typically served here every night, but there was a wedding Saturday and they had it rented for the reception. What a beautiful, dream spot for a wedding! 

our dinner setting - obsessed with this china

our after dinner surprise! 

The pond and boat house  - open to guests for fishing, canoeing, or just lounging

Brandon decided to try his luck at fishing ... hopeful!

The spa - within the next year they are building a new, fancier spa and this will be a guest house. We enjoyed a couples massage and it was fabulous. Brandon isn't too fond of massages but he gave in since I agreed to go skeet shooing with him! 

Brandon posing at the fly fishing shop while we enjoyed a cruise on one of their complimentary golf carts. 

 just a little afternoon of skeet shooting - don't worry, I didn't shoot much, jk

and afterwards a little cocktail, and mock tail for me, on the patio before dinner

this may have been one of my favorite things - a basket stocked with smores goodies at the fire pit - couldn't resist! 

That about captures our entire weekend! I know personal pictures aren't considered as fun as adoring a beautiful home or a fabulous DIY project to some, but I love reviews and recommendations - so for anyone out there looking for a five star getaway spot, this is the place! It won't disappoint. 

COMING UP: our two year anniversary!

Next Tuesday, February 26th, officially marks our two year anniversary! February is always filled with lots of love for us since it involves Valentine's and our anniversary - but I have a feeling both of these celebrations may be combined in the future! We had a low key Valentine's this year; I decided to put my preggers feet up and relax and let the hubby plan dinner - it consisted of steaks, salad, mac & cheese, and asparagus. Totally a "man" meal, but it was all delicious to me! 

This year for our anniversary, plus a semi-baby moon, we are headed to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for a little R&R this weekend. With Baby Owens due the first of summer, I really wanted to escape this cold weather and have my own summer vacay pre-baby, but that ended up being too much so we decided on the beautiful Blackberry Farm! Have you heard of it!? It has been featured in Garden & Gun and Southern Living, and is known for it's fabulous food and view of the Great Smokies. I love trying new food, and since I can't partake in the wine, I think I will divulge myself in a variety of delicious foods! 

Check out these images of the property:

all photos via

We are really excited! We have a couples massage and skeet shooting on the agenda so it should be interesting! The farm has lots of outdoor activities like horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, bike riding, etc. but I thought the hubby would enjoy the skeet shooting and it would be something fun to do together. Keep your fingers crossed! 

Yay, today is my Friday! Hope everyone has had a wonderful week and has a nice weekend!

FASHION FAVS: maternity wear

Hi all! Happy Valentine's Day! Do ya'll have any special plans? The hubs and I don't have anything extravagant planned, but our anniversary is at the end of this month so that will be our real celebration! Well, I know I promised the blog wouldn't turn into strictly baby inspiration, but I wanted to share some of my latest maternity fashion favorites since it can be a daunting task to shop for. 

It is tough to fathom spending money on clothes that you only wear for a short period of time, but I believe you can invest in a few pieces to last you through the pregnancy while also purchasing items that will work during and after the baby. I know a lot of people just enjoy to be comfortable and cozy during pregnancy, but me on the other hand, I like a nice mix of comfort and style! Regardless of your preference, here are some great basics that I have loved since being pregnant ... 

ONE: forever 21 chiffon shirt - I have a ton of these types shirts from pre-pregnancy that I can still wear, plus any that I purchase now, I know I can wear afterwards! Double whammy!

TWO: old navy polka dot chiffon button up - If you caught my leather jacket instagram/post, this is the shirt I was sporting underneath. It goes with anything and is cute, but forgiving! With chiffon shirts, I always look for length so that I know my hinny is covered if I decide to wear it with leggings - and this shirt provides good coverage!

THREE: asos swan sweater dress - This was one of the first pieces I ordered online and it was such a great buy. The light weight material makes it perfect for spring or with a pair of leggings it is warm enough for our recent chilly weather. You can't beat any a-line dress during pregnancy -- and how cute are the swans along the bottom!?

FOUR: fleece lined leggings - I found mine at anthropologie, but I know there are lots of options out there. These are amazing for chilly days when thin leggings just won't cut it. I really love that they are thick enough so you can't see through them too. I have 2 pairs of black and 1 pair of gray and alternate them almost every day!

FIVE: anthropologie colorblock shift dress - You can't help but love this colorful, relaxed fit dress for parties and showers, or for when you are just tired of being "comfy." At a reasonable price, it is a good dress to invest in and get a lot of wear out of (pre and post baby!). Definitely one of my favorite purchases so far!

SIX: forever 21 button up blouse - It's nice that the trend right now is long, flowy chiffon tops because they are ideal to throw on with a tank and stretchy pants. 

SEVEN: j brand skinny maternity jeans - I knew I wanted to splurge on one nice pair of jeans to wear throughout the pregnancy and I just happened to catch these on sale. I thought, I all ready feel bloated and look like a whale so I don't want to be stuck in a pair of frumpy, saggy maternity jeans! These are still comfortable with room to grow and I can wear them with boots, flats, or sandals in the summer. So glad I invested in a pair of these! **Since then, I have also purchased a pair of H&M maternity jeans with the pull up extended top and they are reasonably priced and stylish as well. I would have included those in my list, but they aren't on the website!

EIGHT: jcrew chambray pullover button up - I have pretty much lived in this shirt + black leggings and boots for the majority of my pregnancy. You can easily dress it up or down, but it is always stylish!

NINE: camisoles - I don't have this exact brand, but any long camisole would get the job done. These are ideal for layering under shirts that have now become "cropped tops" due to the expanding belly or just to conceal under a chiffon top. I'm about to wear all mine out!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my maternity favorites - and it wasn't too boring for you non-pregnant followers! I think it is a great mix of items that are long lasting and stylish! Do you have any favorites to share? I'd love to hear more options!