black walls?

When we first moved into this house about 4 years ago (can't believe it's been that long already!), my plan was to paint the dining room walls black.  My hub, however, wasn't on board with that decision.  I respect his opinion, so we compromised.  I ended up painting the walls a light cream (Waverly - Cafe Cream) and added an ikat stencil in black to just one wall.  

I've made a few tweaks since these pictures were taken changing up the vignette over the dresser turned buffet and adding some ring pulls to the back of the chairs, but for the most part this room still looks like this.  And while I love it the way it is, I still have black walls on the brain.  

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I mean, how incredible does a gallery wall look on black?!  

nest of posies

Kelly Wearstler always knocks it out of the ballpark!

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I've loved the look of black walls for so long, I think it's time to go for it!  What do you think about black walls?  I think my hub who was previously on team no-black is now on the fence.  Maybe you all can help me push him over to the dark side - ha!  

Maybe I'll start with the ceiling while I'm still debating the walls? 

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Are there design decisions you've been debating for a while in your home?  

 

bacon avocado deviled eggs

Bacon + Avocado = A Party In Your Mouth!  Am I right?!  Okay, okay you all already know I think bacon plus pretty much anything is a good time, but seriously the combination of bacon and avocado is like a match made in taste bud heaven.  It's because of my love for this combo that these eggs were hatched.  #lookwhosfeelingpunnytoday  

I love a great spin on a classic!  This is a simple recipe yet it's always a crowd pleaser!  It's a great dish to bring to a potluck because chances are even if someone else brings deviled eggs they won't be avocado bacon style.  These are so easy to make that I often make them for myself for breakfast because I'm fancy like that.  ;) 

Ingredients: 

6 hard boiled eggs  - will yield one dozen deviled eggs

2 small ripe avocados

the juice of half a lime

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

sea salt to taste 

cracked pepper to taste

smoked paprika for topping

bacon crumbles

Directions:

Bake or cook your bacon on the stovetop while your boiling the eggs.  Once cooked set the bacon aside on a couple of paper towels to drain, and then crumble into small pieces when cool.  Remove egg shells and half the eggs.  Pop yolks into a bowl.  Add the avocados.  Mash yolks, avocados and lime juice all together with a fork.  Add the garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Mix well.  Scoop the avocado yolk mixture into the empty egg whites.  Sprinkle with paprika and bacon crumbles.  Enjoy!!  Try to eat just one, I dare you!  

*Optional - if you like spice - add your favorite hot sauce to the mixture or add in a little red pepper or chili powder.  

PS - This avocado yolk mix also makes for a great chicken salad.  Instead of filling the egg white cups with it just add shredded chicken - sooo yummy!  

diy bicycle print shoes

This is a 5 minute project that takes zero skill and gives an almost worn out pair of tennis shoes a happy little makeover.  What's not to love about a patterned tennis shoe?!  

All you need is a pair of canvas tennis shoes (these are from Old Navy - bought them for my girl last fall)................

some fabric paint and a plastic bottle with a metal writing tip (you can find these supplies at any craft store).   The plastic bottle with a tip creates a screen printed look as opposed to the raised, dimensional look the ever-popular-in-the-80's puffy fabric paint creates. 

Just follow the pictorial to draw these sweet little bicycles.  

These were so easy to make and totally updated a pair of my girl's tennis shoes that were in need of a new life.  Now instead of looking tired and worn out they look fun and preppy!    

My girl loves them! 

shirt | sunglasses | pants similar | purse similar

Are you a fan of a printed tennis shoe?   These aren't tennis shoes they're boat shoes, but I'm in love with the anchor print!  I think they'd be a pretty simple diy as well!