Happy Halloween with Fall Inspiration

Happy Halloween!! What are you guys doing today? Anyone dressing up?! I have never been a huge halloween fan, though I do love me some fall decor and foods! With my birthday the day after Halloween, I think I was always just more excited for that. I'm also not a huge dress-up person, so the whole holiday rubbed me the wrong way ;) I think when we have kids to dress up one day, I'll get more into it. Because, dangit, my friends' kids are so cute in their costumes.
Anyways, I put together some fun and festive fall inspiration for those who aren't Halloween lovers, like me ;)

neutral dining room / antlers and pumpkins / copper herringbone pumpkins / black heart cocktail / pies / maple spiced cocktail / gingham / autumn blessings / 
Hope you have a fun and safe night trick or treating! It's snowing here today (seriously....SOS) so I'm not sure we'll get any kids to our house. We'll see!
Happy Halloween!
xoxo
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Friday Finds: Sweaters, Leggings & a Floral Rug

Friday is here!! I'm extra excited, because my husband has been away all week, leaving me with the pup, and he's finally getting back this morning! Alright, a bunch of my favorite finds for Friday are below:

1. The Mason Jar Boutique. Guys, I post about this shop a lot! I'm not getting paid, I promise. I just genuinely love the boutique and they have been so gracious to share a discount code for my readers! You have to see their new fall arrivals. New things are added every day to the What's New tab. Use the code BLOOMING for $10 off your $30 order. I'm in love with this cozy sweater. Anyone else obsessed with this berry, wine color this year? Check out their cute fall dresses, too.

2. The Loft. As usual, there's a sale! All the sweaters are $40 or under. I know what I'm doing this weekend!! ;) A few I have my eye on:

They're also doing a flash sale up to 60% off!

3. A bunch of other finds I found scouring the internet, including J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Nordstrom and Madewell.

4. This pair of leggings is calling my name! For only $24, these are fleece lined. Anything with extra warmth is something I need, since I get so, so cold in the winter (I have Raynaud's disease, anyone else?) These come in gray or black and the reviews are incredible. I think I'm pulling the trigger... :)

5. This sweater of mine is by FAR my most worn sweater. I have it in gray and black from last year and I'm so glad they have it again this year! It's the warmest, coziest thing you've ever felt. I wear it with jeans or with leggings, because it's long enough to cover the tush.

6. Have you all seen this new floral rug by Gal Meets Glam for Lulu & Georgia? I'm completely head-over-heels and if I had a little girl nursery to design, you can bet it'd be going in there STAT!

7. I have such talented, creative friends! One of them, Janelle, pours unbelievably good smelling candles. Her fall collection looks amazing! Check out Ellery Mae Candle Co. to see all of her holiday collections.

Cinnamon Bun? Yes please ;)

It's gone from super hot just 3 weeks ago, to FREEZING (literal ice and frost on the lawn this morning), so I'm going to be switching out my closet and getting all my fall / winter clothes back out. It seems like just yesterday I packed them away...hmmm. I always take this opportunity to clean out my closet as well, asking myself what I didn't love wearing (or just didn't wear) last season, then sell or donate those items. What's the weather like where you're at?

We'll also be going on a mini retreat with our church over the weekend, then preparing the house for my family to come next week. My mom arrives Monday and I can't wait.

Hope you enjoy your weekend! Be back Monday with some Halloween / Fall inspiration.

xoxo

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My Birthday Wish List

My birthday is a week from today-- holy cow, 27! Each year I've done a birthday wish list, so I figured I couldn't stop this year. This year I'm already getting the greatest gift of all; my family (mom, dad and brother) are coming to visit us in Michigan. My mom is taking us to see Wicked and I can hardly wait! I've seen it before on Broadway in NYC, but to see it again here with my husband will be really memorable. I actually haven't been with my family ON my birthday in proba bly 4 years, so this is really special.  If I did happen to get a few other little things for the big 2-7 (ha) then here are few things I have on my wish list:

Lip Sheer (in Rose) &  Lip Gloss (in Dahlia): I'll be sharing about this more in the coming weeks, but recently I've made the switch to safer beauty products after learning about the horrific things that are actually in our makeup and skin care (!) This lip sheer and gloss are perfect berry colors for fall, so they are definitely on my list! I have this gloss in a lighter pink color and it's my favorite gloss I've ever had (which is saying a lot because I'm like a connoisseur of glosses ;)) It's ingredients are actually super moisturizing. It lasts a long time on, so I don't find myself reapplying often, and gives a great fresh color. It also smells incredible! Newlywed Kitchen Cookbook: We're still newlyweds, right?! One year later and I feel like I'm out of ideas in the kitchen. I need some inspiration and I feel like Martha is the best gal to get it from ;) Pink Kendra Scott Necklace: I love Kendra Scott Jewelry because it's classic and timeless and you can usually just wear one piece on its own, without having to freak out about what else you need to accessorize with! I don't have any pieces with colored stones yet, so I loved this unique color and shape.  Plaid Top: My eyes did literal heart eyes when I found this blouse! I read the reviews and they are all so good and say that it's long enough and super comfortable. I'll take it! I love the tie in the front for a sweet added detail. Lace Blouse: Anything lace and I'm all over it. Just look at my wedding dress ;) This top looks so flattering and I love that you could dress it up with heels and black pants or down with jeans and riding boots. Phone Case: Rumor has it I'm getting the new iphone 8 plus soon (hooray for the better camera and portrait mode!)  Moto Leggings: I had this pair last year and loved them so much (seriously got compliments on them every time I wore them) so I'd really love another pair. Last year's got so many wears, it was almost embarrassing ;) Ruffle Sweater: Sweaters, because Michigan winters. Ruffles, because...well, they make everything more fun! This one looks so cozy.  Charcoal Mask: This charcoal mask is sooo good for your skin. It's great for clearing skin blemishes and balancing your skin tone. My friend has it and said it's the best mask ever! It even has peppermint oil in it, so you get the perfect (not too overpowering) tingle from that, which is so refreshing. Set of Cards: I'm a total snail mail girl. I have an addition to picking up cute packages of cards anytime we're traveling and in a new boutique. I love these whimsical ones! Cards are the gift that keeps on giving, really, because I'll be sending them out to friends throughout the year. Do I need to add anything to my birthday wish list?! xoxo

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Trip to Dallas Recap in Pictures

Two weeks ago we were here, at The White Sparrow Barn in Quinlan, Texas (just outside of Dallas) for The Bloom Workshop. It was our last two day workshop of the year, which we call Bloom Bash! Ashley and I teach on blogging, branding, social media, photography and design, then have special teachers teach our guests floral design and calligraphy. We end the workshop with a gorgeous styled shoot to practice all of their new found creative skills. This barn was the most gorgeous place to host our workshop! Every inch was stunning. 

While in Texas, we also went to Magnolia Market for Silobration AND I got to see some of my sweetest blog friends at the workshop, so here's the recap of our week in Texas. If you want to see a full picture recap of Magnolia, you can head to this post.

I just have to share this insanely gorgeous painting Annie, of Wildfield Paper Co, did for our invitation suite of the styled shoot. You can see how talented she is, as the watercolor is identical to the actual barn. She's so good!!

This is where we spent most of our time with our 25 attendees. So fun getting to know them all and hear about their businesses and stories!

A true highlight of the trip was finally getting to meet Nicole, my blog friend for about 7 years now!! It's the funniest thing, because both of us felt like we'd known each other forever. Not an awkward moment to speak of! I just love blogging for that :) Anyways, we had Nicole come to Bloom to shoot video of the workshop because her and her husband are wonderful videographers! It was such a joy to have her. We'll share the video when it's done!

my top- 50% off! / white jeans

My other blog friend, who I've met before, Victoria, came to Bloom to help us make sure the workshop ran smoothly. She was such a blessing!

So much fun with these girls.

 Teaching the workshop...

We always set up a really fun coffee mug station for our guests to grab (and keep!) a mug, and this is our favorite one yet. We got a bunch of different designs so our guests could choose which style they liked best! Mugs are from Small Glow shop. 

Calligraphy class supplies:

Styling the invitation suite for a demo with Ashley:

A few shots of the styled shoot:

Our models:

Our dessert bar consisted of a gorgeous cake and mini apple and peach cobbler pies!

Simply Jessica Marie came to the workshop to be on the Q&A panel and to help me with our flat lay styling class. She was such a wonderful addition to the workshop!! So knowledgable and one of the sweetest gals around.

Our attendees!

Megan and Cassie also came to be on the Q&A panel. It was fun to finally meet Megan in person, after all these years blogging as well.

The day after our workshop, we went to Magnolia Market for the Silobration. It was REALLY hot and super crowded, but still worth it ;) One day I'll do a post on all the loot I've brought back from Magnolia from recent trips.

I got one of these little house budvases and I'm obsessed with it!!

  Since it was Silobration, not only did we shop the Market, but the streets were also lined with vendors and artists who were selling their work. One of those vendors was Danielle of Danielle Oakey Interiors. I've followed her for years, so it was fun to meet her in person and see her beautiful pillow covers!

Also on this trip, I got to see my brother and his wife. His wife actually modeled for our styled shoot, which was so awesome!! We had some bumps in the road, as I was supposed to stay with them for 2 nights to visit before the workshop, but my brother came down with the stomach flu and I was out of a guest room ;) He quickly texted his bible study group and asked if I could stay with anyone in there and sure enough, in 5 minutes, I had a place to stay! I was so grateful, but sure did miss seeing my brother. We were able to go out to eat one night with them, so I have to share the restaurant because it was honestly the BEST PIZZA I've ever had. It's called Cane Rosso and it's seriously to die for, if you get the chance to go while in Dallas-- do it!

This trip, though for work, was so exciting and rejuvenating. I'm so thankful to know all these super talented ladies, only because our paths crossed through blogging. What an adventure this is!





xoxo interior design website / services / portfolio

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Client Project: Modern Farmhouse Progress

Hope you had a wonderful weekend! How's your Monday so far? Mine's off to an early start with lots of design work ahead today for my clients + watching one of my sweet friends' two little girls for a few hours. 

I thought I'd show you some progress pictures of the custom build I'm working on right now! I've been mentioning it on Instagram stories a lot, and so finally today I'm showing you some peeks. I'm so honored to have this home in the Michigan Parade of Homes this coming May! It's always been a business dream and goal of mine, so the fact that it's happening is definitely a "pinch me" moment!

This is the kitchen. The cabinets went in and look gorgeous! I cannot wait to show you the backsplash for the kitchen. We're doing a white subway tile with a crackle finish and then a gorgeous marble hand laid tile above the range.

This is the little desk area in the kitchen:

The laundry room also has white cabinets, since it's right off the kitchen, so they'll tie nicely into each other. This backsplash is also going to be really beautiful and sleek!

The floor in the laundry room is so fun (below), so we paired it with a simple quartz (the same that will be in the kitchen to keep things consistent). To finish it off, we're doing a stainless steel backsplash all the way up to the cabinets. It's going to be a show stopper!

This is the mudroom. The laundry room door is the right of the picture, we're standing in the kitchen to take the picture, and the door to the garage is to the left of the picture. My client has 5 kids (5!!!) so this locker storage is a necessity. It's going to be beautiful and functional for their family! We'll be making a custom bench cover for the little window seat.

The basement of the house is really large, featuring a kitchen, family room, 3 bedrooms + 1 bath, and a work out room. The countertop is a gorgeous quartz with some beige and gray (greige) veining, which you can see below. You know the 5 kids I was telling you about? 4 of them are boys, so all of their rooms are in the basement and will be sharing a bathroom. The bathroom design is below with the darker wood cabinet, this same quartz we're using in the basement kitchen, and we will be tiling the entire wall behind the vanity with this amazing wood-looking tile in a herringbone pattern. It's going to have a really cool, industrial farmhouse look for the boys.

Another thing I'm looking forward to seeing come together is the gorgeous lighting we have picked out for this home. You can see some of the selections below:

glass pendant (kitchen) / recycled glass multiple pendants (dining room) / recycled glass sconce (master bedroom) / schoolhouse curved arm sconce (powder room) / schoolhouse flushmount /  Those are all the sneak peeks I have so far, but stay tuned on my Instagram Stories this Wednesday, as I'm going on site and will share more progress! xoxo interior design website / services / portfolio

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Friday Finds: Booties, Boots and Flats for Fall

I'm sure glad it's Friday, because I need some rest this weekend! The weather has been insanely beautiful this week, which I'm so thankful for! However, while in the middle of writing this post, our power went out (no idea why-- it's 70 and sunny!) so I am now writing from the Starbucks down the street. Not complaining about that ;)

Since getting two new pairs of booties for fall this year, I've been obsessed and noticing booties, boots and other cute shoes for fall everywhere I go. I thought I'd round up some of my favorites for you incase you're in the market for some new kicks. 

SHOP:

A few favorites:
3: I have these cut out bootiesand showed you them here. I absolutely love them, but make sure to size down a HALF size! 

4: Love the chestnut color of these! 5. I haven't gotten a pair of loafers yet, but I have my eye on this pair! 6: I have these boots and they are, by far, the most comfortable pair of tall boots I own. They come in black and brown. Get a pair now and thank me later!!

7: I also have these tall boots and they're my second most comfortable pair of boots. I have last year's in the non-suede, but my mom has the suede. They're really pretty! (ps. this picture makes me cold looking at it...no snow!!!)

10: These are WATERPROOF, ladies. Such a game changer for living in Michigan. Also SO comfy!! On sale now! Sorry, I know I shared these Monday, but I couldn't resist since now they're on sale.

SALES: Anthropologie: 25% off sale This gingham top is calling my name.

LOFT: 40% off EVERYTHING.  I love the Loft, it's no secret-- I share their clothes all the time. They always have sales, which makes it even better! I think I'm going to get this poncho in navy.  

Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
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3 Decorating Mistakes You Might Not Know You're Making

Alright friends, we're talking about design crimes today. Over the past 6 years of owning my interior design business, I've seen a lot of rooms and houses! I don't think people do things because they think it doesn't look good (who would do that?!), I think people make design decisions because they just don't know the more pleasing way to do things. Don't be offended if you're making any one of these three mistakes!! I've made lots of decorating mistakes over the years-- thanks to my parents for letting me experiment with their house while I was in high school, so I could get a lot of them out then ;) Hopefully these will be helpful to you as you're creating a home you love. #3 is more of a decorating lesson, so I hope you learn a little something there! 1. Hanging art or wall decor too high or too low. I see this all the time! It mostly happens when a shorter or taller-than-average person is doing the hanging :) The center of your art should be about 55-60" high off the floor to achieve the "perfect" height!

 The other thing to note here is that if you're hanging an object (like a mirror or painting) above a piece of furniture or over a mantle, there needs not to be too much space in between the said mantle and the bottom of the object. If there's a huge gap, the two things look very disjointed. So if you follow the ~60" center rule and it's too high above whatever you're hanging it above, then you can cheat it down a little. Every rule always an exception, right?! ;)
2. Furniture pushed up against your walls.
This is a big one. A lot of people are misguided when it comes to furniture placement. Most would simply put their sofa and chairs up against walls, but often that can make a room look smaller and create an awkward pit right in the middle of a room, which also becomes the place everyone has to walk through the room. All that dead space in the middle of the room is anything but inviting!  When you pull furniture off the wall and really think about a functional layout, your room feels like it can breath, you create a more interesting layout, AND you can create intentional pathways for people to walk. Bonus is your space usually looks bigger and more inviting, because you are able to create better conversation areas! (Of course there are exceptions to this! A media stand and tv should always be against a wall, so should a buffet in a dining room. This is more specific to a living or family room...or even an office!) 

3. Not lighting your space. Builders don't always put the right lighting in a house to really make it feel welcoming, create ambience and give you good task lighting (lighting you need to complete a task). This is one of the reasons I love working with clients who are designing a new home or doing a reno on a current home from the beginning-- things like lighting often get overlooked! What I'm getting at here is that you can have a beautiful room with pretty decor, but if you can't see it, what's the point?! ;)
One of my favorite elements in a room is the lighting.  It's the light that truly highlights and brings to life the architecture and design of any room. It's like jewelry for your home! In interior design school, I learned all that technical stuff like lumens, wattage, foot candles, A-lamp, R-lamp, that is the not-so-fun-but-still-important-part. Lost you yet?! ;) I don't want to bore you with that stuff, but I DO want to educate you on bringing the proper light to your space. Remember to include 3-4 of the 4 types of light in every room:
1. General {the overhead lighting that generally lights up the room} 2. Task {light that helps you perform specific tasks, like reading or cooking. These are typically can lights or table lights.} 3. Accent {sconces, pendants, or recessed lighting that are used to highlight artwork, sculptures, fabric, or architectural details} 4. Decorative {primarily the ornamental chandelier lighting, wall sconces, candles, entry fixtures, that are meant to stand out and draw your eye to them as being a statement piece.}

Above images by Ashley Slater Photography for Michaela Noelle Designs

 Michaela Noelle Designs

How's that for a design school lesson?!  So, are you committing any of these design crimes? xoxo interior design website / services / portfolio

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