June 9, 2014 Outdoor Spaces

Bloom Where You’re Planted
 

 

I came across the quote “Bloom where you’re planted.” a few weeks ago, and it really resonated with me. I

‘m sure there’s several different ways to interpret this, but for me, it means appreciate your life as it is, today.

Lately, I’ve found myself getting caught up in the “my life would be perfect, if I _______” way of thinking.

You could fill in the blank with so many thoughts…

“My life would be perfect if I lost ten pounds, lived in that house, drove that car, got that job” we’ve all had those moments where we find ourselves longing for a different situation than the one we’re in.

Scrolling through  Instagram and seeing so many beautiful beaches and European cities, it’s easy to get caught up in this type of longing. 

So I’ve decided to change up my perspective a bit and make a conscious effort to look for the beauty in my everyday life (on my way to school pick up or an errand, or even my own back yard). 

I hope you enjoy these scenic pics of the charming suburban towns in my little neck of the woods, if you like this idea, share something from your own neighborhood and tag me (@zhush) I’d love to see where you’re blooming!

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December 3, 2013 Designer Features

Style Stalking: Alexandra Kaehler Designs
 

Alexandra Kaehler Designs

 

December is here and so is my last style stalk for 2013.

It seems I’ve saved the best for last. 

I’m pretty sure I’ve been following Alexandra Kaehler‘s design career since day one. 

I first found Alex through her stylish blog, Things That Sparkle, which is now known as AK Studio. 

It was here that we first got a sense of Alex’s warm personality and fabulous taste. 

After some time, Alex set up shop in Chicago with her own design studio and in the truest sense of style stalking, I’ve been quietly watching Alex’s interiors transform into the chic and wonderful spaces they are today. 

Here’s a small sampling of some of my favorites, (I’m such a fan of Alex’s work, it was hard to choose) I recommend checking out the whole portfolio here.

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Interior Inspiration

Tour Sue’s Home

Shop Sue’s Picks

October 15, 2013 Dining Rooms

Holiday Table Inspiration

Last month, I attended a lifestyle workshop in New York City, hosted by Better Homes and Gardens. One of the highlights of this event, was getting to see talented entertaining expert, Eddie Ross in action (as seen in the last image below). Eddie gave us all some creative tips for setting a beautiful table. The emphasis was really on mixing things up, using high end with thrift store finds and putting a lot of personal touches into the occasion like colored candle sticks and beautiful place cards.

At one point, Eddie inquired if we (the bloggers in attendance) all have a “prop closet” and many raised their hands! Well, it wasn’t until later, that I realized…of course I did have a prop closet as well, my own shop. Not only does zhush.com sell a lot of really great table top pieces, but I’ve also personally accumulated a lot of tableware through years of hosting holidays and special occasions. One long mental inventory later, I decided to employ many of Eddie’s great tips.

The first setting is a nod to country style, using a flannel blanket, and some clippings from the garden in a brass mint julep cup. The second setting is closer to how I typically set the table for a holiday, using place mats in lieu of a table cloth (so much easier when there are wiggly young children at the table). For both ideas, I used a lot of my own pieces plus I also styled up some of my favorite table top items from zhush, including a brass mint julep cup, this fun glass mouse salt and pepper set, these uber chic marble salt and pepper cellars, beautiful horn spreaders, these popular beaded burst napkin rings along with the coordinating crocheted edged napkins.

Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens for a great day and to Eddie for all the inspiration. I’ll be heading into New York for another social media event later this week, be sure to follow me on Instagram (@zhush), where I’m much better at posting these fun happenings in real time.

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