Mad About Monday.

I loved all my gifts this year, but this Monday I wanted to post about a certain gift I received that I think sums up my New Year's resolution.

{Letter Happy}

Thank you SO much friend that took the time to get this and put it in a frame for me! It is perfect!

Do what you love and LOVE what you do in 2012 people! <3

Merry Christmas!

I hope you are having a blessed and joyful holiday weekend!

xo, 

Taylor + Darby

A Perfectly Project: Living & Dining for MK.

A recent client approached me for some direction on her living & dining areas. Here are my design boards for her. She already has some great new furniture but asked for some ideas on how to pull everything together. For product info or for your own e-design consultation, please contact me at perfectlytaylord@gmail.com :)

A Busy {Christmas} Bee.

I finished my Christmas shopping and now I am working on wrapping the store bought items and making the rest. I just realized that I wish I could thank Darby of Fly Through Our Window in person, because over the years she has given me so many recipes and templates that allow me to wow the special people in my life with things like honey butter and rice packs.  Turns out she is starting to get well deserved recognition for her Christmas craftiness and was featured in Mobile Bay Magazine recently. Check out part of the article online!

I also went to see the lights in St. Augustine Friday night. It's a great tradition to take a stroll through St. George Street and the surrounding area this time of year. Here are a few shots from my evening:

 Awe. 

 Horses, horses, horses...

 Boa! nbd.

This is by far one of my favorite shots of the year...

that guy was playing great jazz and was so happy to be doing it. 

Rachel insisted on taking my picture to ensure that people knew I was there. ;)

Good times.

Mad About Monday.

Let's talk holiday style today. From the home you live in to the tip of your head, there are some little touches that can make Christmas week a little more special. If you are like me, you have been rushing around so much that decorating for your home or dressing yourself for this merry little week has just now become the focus. Here are some quick suggestions to dress things up a bit:

1) Do something different with your hair:

See this Braided Top Bun tutorial and other ways to snazz up your do' at Cup of Jo.

2) Break out a blazer:

I found one at J Crew similar to the above for under $100 (on clearance of course). This structured look is great when paired with bright holiday colors and can dress up a pair of skinny jeans in an instant. 

3) Add blush:

My long time favorite: Nars: The Multiple Orgasm  shimmer stick adds a subtle glow to your everyday makeup and has a name that you can laugh about. Win-win. 

4) Grab some new pillow covers: 

Grab a few new pillow covers to freshen up your current selection. 

Best part? You can break these out next year too! 

Ho Ho Ho pillow cover shown above is from Joshua By Oak but I suggest this, this, and this too.  

5) When in doubt, add Mercury Glass.

 Mercury glass is classic but happens to be the hot ticket item this season. 

Put some on your table, your mantel, or simply add a couple votives to an end table. 

I've seen some great pieces at Ballard Designs (shown above), West Elm, and Target. 

Have fun getting you and your home dressed up!! xo

Portraits.

My photography was featured yesterday on my friend Erin's blog {Isaboo Designs} and that reminded me that I need to give you an update on all the portraits I have taken in the month of December. It sure has been fun using my hobby to capture the love of these families into little images. 

 The Russell Family

 The Heiden Family

 The Thoele Family 

Engagement session for Brandi & Randy...getting married this February!

Crafting + Christmas.

The other night at mi casa we had a girl's night to do some crafts we saw on Pinterest or other blogs. We made ornaments (seen above), mini works of art, and felt magnets. I was SUPPOSED to also make these huge glass/glitter ball ornaments but I had an epic fail trying to find the floor wax needed for it. Yes, I said floor wax. A trip to Lowe's is in my near future. 

Martha Stewart: Why are your cookie cutter ornaments so fricking difficult (the girls that made them worked SO hard at it!) and WHY does your glitter set cost $30????

p.s. And why is your stuff so awesome that I spent the $30 anyway??

Not quite sure what to do with my mini paintings other than have them at each seat at the Christmas dinner table. They can be favors for the evening. I saw something similar one time but they were used as favors at a wedding. 

 Ta-da!

Casey came up with the brilliant idea to make these felt flower magnets. I think they would make fantastic little stocking stuffers! That pic is too dark but the next ones show them off better.

What's are you crafting for Christmas? I have a TON more to make. And we have how many days till Christmas?? EEEEK!

 Till next time...:)

Mad About Monday.

Dear followers:

My most sincere apology for being completely MIA the last few...days...weeks? Month?? When I announced that it was my last week working for the firm I have been with for over 8 years, what I really meant it was my last three weeks:) I stayed on to help a bit with a project and also started my new job, a part time position at West Elm. That, plus finals and well, regular life, took precedence over the blog. But oh, how I have missed it, and you all! Usually when I am neglecting my blog I still have time to browse your blogs but that wasn't the case this time!

To celebrate my new job at West Elm, a company that is so supportive and excited about my goals in decorating, I want to share with you my top 4 gift picks from the store. I had to do this as an exercise the other day and I really am in love with each of these objects!

My NUMBER ONE favorite: The Kantha Throw. Each one is handmade in India out of vintage saris. The detail and stitching on each of them is impeccable. Each one is like no other, so if you give one to your sister, brother, spouse, etc...you can tell them they are getting a one of a kind piece of art!

For the person who has everything: a Glass Shadow Box is the perfect place to display their favorite possessions!

Paper Mache Stag Heads are handmade in Haiti, so again, you are getting a one of a kind piece when you get or give these this year. A portion of the proceeds goes back to the artisans that make these (with the Kantha throws as well). The idea of giving back is strong at West Elm and I like it ;)

Last, but certainly not least, our natural Agate book ends make the perfect addition to anyone's book shelf. All of them are unique (can you tell I enjoy one of a kind things??).

Another cool thing about West Elm? They have a blog: Front & Main. You can find cool shizzy there like this image of a custom pink Parsons Desk:

Love it! And more to come on the other projects up my sleeve lately!

xo Tay