Current Obsessions: Blogger Roundup


The past couple months have been a blur, it's hard to believe that May is here and summer is right around the corner. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Don't get me wrong though, I'm {more than} ready for some fun in the sun, cookouts in the backyard, summer concert series and the change in my wardrobe! With the warmer temperatures upon us and Mother's Day this weekend, I have loved seeing everyone's summer wish lists and gift guides. I've rounded up my top picks from a few of my favorite bloggers to share with you.





Chalk House Updates: Dining Room Upgrade

Happy Monday! After a weekend of wedding celebrations for our dear friends, Kayla and Tyler, I am not ready for the work week to begin {at all}. I can't wait to share a few pictures from their special day later this week.

Our most recent project at home has been updating our dining room and foyer, this has been on our to-do list for almost a year but we kept pushing it off because we knew it was going to take a lot of time and patience. If you missed my last post, you can read more about it here. Now that we are almost finished, I thought I'd share a quick update.

When we first started our home renovations, I knew that I wanted to mix and match the antique furniture that has been passed down to us with new pieces that will blend our personalities together beautifully. This is exactly what we were able to achieve in our dining room and I couldn't be happier with the way it has turned out so far. It isn't 100% finished but it will be by the end of May before I host my sweet sister's baby {girl} shower! Side note: Yes, you read that correct...I found out yesterday that I'll be an Aunt to an adorable baby GIRL in a few short months.

My Inspiration Board:

Our Remodel List: Completed Items:
- Paint Walls 
- Paint Crown Molding 
- Paint Chair Rail 
- Add Shoe Molding 
- Paint Shoe Molding 
- Add Beadboard Paneling {under shoe molding} 
- Paint Beadboard Paneling 
- Remove Carpet 
- Install Sub-Flooring 
- Install Wood Tile: Sonoma Palm Ceramic Tile
- New Chandelier: Kichler Larkin Chandelier
- New Rug: Shubhra Damask Rug
- Add Accents of Rich & Warm Greens and Golds:   
- Rearrange China Cabinet, Buffet and Bar Cart 

Our Remodel List: Not Completed Yet:
- New Window Treatments
- New Dining Room Table & Chairs
- New Lamps for Buffet 

Do you have any favorite home decor websites or shops? If so, I'd love for you to share them with me! I am determined to find a farmhouse dining room table with french-style chairs {similar to the ones that I found for my inspiration} but that isn't an easy task. 

Hosting & Toasting + Chalk House Updates


As I sit on the couch trying to find the energy to begin cleaning up our construction zone, I realize how thankful I am for the past two weekends that have filled my heart with joy and happiness. Even though the weekends seem short and Mondays always sneak up on me, I am grateful for the days filled with friends and family.

A quick glimpse into the past couple weekends -
Last Saturday, I was honored to host a Bridal Shower for a dear friend of mine. Meeting Kayla during our last few years of college was one of the greatest gifts. For the past 7 years and counting, she has been by my side through all of life's twists and turns. We have cried together, laughed until are stomachs hurt, traveled around the country discovering new places, and sat for hours upon hours talking about life while sipping a glass of wine. She is a constant reminder of true and forever friendship.

As her family and friends started to arrive, I took a moment to listen to the laughs and the memories that were being shared about our sweet friend, daughter, co-worker, and sister-in-law. All I could do was smile and remind myself that I am thankful to have the opportunity to share these special moments with the people that make me a better woman.
Bridal Shower Vendors:
Bridal Shower Invitations: Minted
Personalized Signs: Alex & Co. Pretty Prints 
Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins: Picture Perfect Papier
Glassware and Linens: American Party Rentals 

Fast forward and this past weekend was the perfect mix of continuing our #chalkhouseupdates and spending quality time with girlfriends. Friday was spent doing the not-so-glamorous tasks of remodeling...pulling up carpet, removing the endless amounts of tack strips, trying to contain the dust from spreading throughout our entire house and replacing parts of our sub-flooring that had termite damage from many years ago. All of the prep work allowed us to lay the new floor in our dining room and foyer on Saturday and Sunday. We may not be finished yet but we are SO close!
This picture proves that our family farmhouse has been a true labor of love. Inside these walls, there are 126 years of memories that have made this house a home. We find ourselves listening to stories from our family, neighbors, and even strangers that will bring you to tears because you quickly realize how special our home is to so many people.

I was able to sneak away from the chaos on Saturday for a girl's afternoon. Danielle, one of my best friends from high school, flew in from Philadelphia for the weekend so a day of wine tasting and catching up was on the agenda! We had a blast discovering the beautiful wineries in North Carolina. The Vineyards in Yadkin Valley, approximately 30 miles outside of Winston Salem, are a hidden gem and a perfect destination for a day trip or even an entire weekend.  
Vineyard Recommendations:

Now, I am off to begin cleaning and organizing our new space so I can share a more detailed post with you before the end of the week! I hope you have a fabulous week, friends!