Friday Favorite: The Great Gatsby

This is not coming out until Christmas, but I am so excited!! I actually remember this book from high school, and not only that, I remember loving it! I wish I could walk around all day calling people "old sport" with an English accent.
Let's see if Leonardo DiCaprio can pull it off...


 


like the song from the trailer?

Let's Have a Cookout!

If you were going to host a party at your home, what type of party would it be? Something casual and fun, or a more formal affair? In the summer time I think I can speak for most of us when I say the more casual, the better. When I think Summer, I think backyard cookouts and nights spent outdoors. So let's just imagine for a second a backyard cookout at the Phillips' house.....

Here is your invite!

Enjoy yummy food like mini wedges, chicken kabobs and blackberry cobbler. 

Thirst quenching peach juleps, popsicles in wine and izzies for the kiddos.

A simple tablescape with sunflowers...

Dress casually! We will have a little treat once the sun goes down.

Now, take a sheet and grab a seat before the movie begins!

What a great party, hope you had a good time!!

Friday Favorite: Imagine Dragons

This song remains stuck in my head these days. And now that I have played this acoustic version in front of Taylor he is walking around the house doing the little foot stomp. Takes quite a bit of talent to stomp and eat a pop tart at the same time.

Happy Friday!

Be Our Guest!

I went home to Fitzpatrick this past weekend for a party my Mom hosted and it got me thinking...I know, dangerous.  My Mom is a fabulous entertainer and hostess.  It's like her "thing". Fresh cut flowers in every room, each meal prepared and might I add, delicious.  I'm sure there may be some sleepless nights leading up to the weekend, but seeing her guests relaxing and enjoying their weekend is all so worth it.

So back to me thinking.  What are some things you can do to make your guests feel more welcome and at home?  I did a little research on what is the norm for most guest bedrooms. I even asked Taylor what he wanted in a guest bedroom. His answer? WiFi and an easily accessible plug near his bedside. We must stay connected at all times people!!

First a list of standard, more common items: 

-Reading Lamp- not only for reading, but if they need to get up at night in an unfamiliar room.

-Alarm Clock
-Waste Basket

-Fresh Towels/wash cloths
-Closet Space 

-Notepad and Pen

-Mirror

-Plenty of pillows (soft and firm)
-extra blankets 

Now, a little less expected, but much appreciated:
-Luggage Rack

-Books/Magazines

-Fresh Flowers

-Bedside Water

-Chocolate/Mints

-Toiletries
-Television

And if you have room for these amenities, more power to you:

-Sitting Area 

-Coffee/Tea Bar

-Ironing Board/Iron

Here are some bedrooms that would be perfect for Guests. Notice how they are accessorized, but not cluttered. Give your guests room to unpack their belongings.

Soothing colors like blues, creams and whites are always a plus.

Ina Garten's Guest bedroom...I'd be her guest anytime!

Chairs are always a plus and can double as a place to lay clothes/bags

One of my favorite bedrooms

Designer Michael S. Smith

Friday Favorite: Atlas Genius

If this song comes on while I'm driving to work, I will go ahead and guess it's going to be a good day. Crazy how music can do that, right?

I thought I would share the love on this Friday! Hope you like!

Acoustic Version

and here is the original version...

Have a great weekend!

shelving inspiration

Do you have bookshelves that need a little TLC? Maybe they look just the way you want them? Lucky you. I have zero shelving. No shelving in my home at all, except for my closets...which actually look more like bookshelves in some unfortunate situations. I tell Taylor all the time, "I need more surfaces!!!!" Fortunately, we are actually devising a plan to create some shelving on either side of our fireplace. The shelving would house the TV, that currently sits on Tayphill's college console...much like this one. It would also allow me to put out books, pictures and fun little trinkets I have collected over the years. I have been paying close attention and practicing up on my "styling" techniques for when my day comes. 

Here is the fireplace wall now:

Here is what I drew up in my head:

This would make Taylor and me both happy. TV components are hidden and I
get to unpack some books!

And here are some beautiful inspiration pictures!

I'm digging the contrast with this bookcase. They kept a simple color palette to keep our eyes from doing a crazy dance. We thank you. 

Blue and white. Can't go wrong there. First, look at each shelf individually. Notice how each shelf is balanced with color and/or by height. Now, look at it as a whole. The overall unit is also beautifully balanced. Good job with this one.

Darkly painted again. I love how the white pops against this color, and not everything jumps out at you all at once. The books take a back seat, but when you look closely the red accent color really makes a statement.

Starting to think I have a favorite shelving style for the moment. More bold contrast on these shelves, too. Great way to showcase your china or other wedding gifts you rarely use.