Big Changes to this Little Blog

I've been blogging here since 2009 (with about a year-long hiatus after baby #1 was born while I juggling that and a full time job).  I love having this blog as a creative outlet.  I love it even more when people contact me because they enjoy reading something I've written about or an image I've shared.  And mostly, if I could, I would eat, sleep and breathe interior design.  Okay, well, I love food too much so maybe just sleep and breathe interior design but still cook yummy food.  And drink delicious cocktails, duh.

And while I can get around on a computer fairly well from a business standpoint, I am by no means great at graphic design or web design.  Hence why my blog still looks like it is from the late 90's (okay, maybe early 2000's??).  So, I've enlisted some help and hope to be able to reveal the new look (along with some other exciting updates) in the coming weeks.  My goal is that my blog be a better reflection of my actual style.  If you've been reading my blog for a while, you can probably get a gist of what that style is but I thought it would be fun to put together a few images that really speak to me from a design standpoint.

A long time ago when my Pinterest obsession began, I started a board called My Style.  It doesn't get as much play these days however, I went back through it and there wasn't much on there that I didn't still agree with.  If you look at it, you'll see a lot of animal print (namely leopard), a lot of classic black and white, and a lot of mixing patterns and styles (ie traditional and contemporary).

via Dimples and Tangles

This space has ME written all over it.  I love how bold and fearless Jennifer's designs are yet at the same time they have very classic elements.  Note the more traditional coffee table and silver urn that the orchid is in paired with bright, colorful patterns...and of course a little leopard for good measure.   

Amber Interiors via Chic Geek

I'm a sucker for anything Morocco, anything with textured wood grains or bamboo, and of course a good, colorful print like these suzanis and ikats here.  I love how the space feel so well-traveled (something I like to think I used to be!).  While we are on the subject of style, Amber is pretty much a God in the design world.  While  her style tends to be a little more minimalist and muted than mine, I love, love, love every space she does!  She definitely has the mixing old/new part down to an art.

pinned via Amber Interiors

This mix is everything!!  And I adore day beds in general.  I can't wait to get one (I'm thinking maybe my daughter's room down the road) and fill it with soft, elegant pillows (in an awesome mix, obvi).  

 via La Bonne Vie

This might quite possibly be the sexist chair I've ever seen in all my life.  End of discussion.

via Flickr (original source unknown)

Vintage glassware and a beautiful glass vase.  Awesome, eye catching side table.  Pattern on pattern in a traditional, comfy updated wing back chair.  And books galore.  I could definitely see myself spending time in a space like this!

via A Daily Something

Peonies are for sure my favorite flower.  They are simply stunning and one day I will have a cut flower garden with peonies galore.  And handwritten notes?  I'm a true southern girl who knows the importance and appreciates a good handwritten note.  Neither of these two things will ever go out of style in my book.

via House and Home

I love being organized!  Having children has made that ever so much more difficult but I still strive for organization in my life.  And who says organization has to be stark and boring?!  Look at this beautiful display of fun baubles in pretty little dishes.  I love the mix of colors, textures and rich jewel tones.  Old and new are perfectly married in this little vignette.  I've loved this image for a long, long time.

So, there's a little overview of some important style elements in my book.  Design truly is so personal and that's what I love about it.  Stay tuned for updates to Adorned Abode coming soon!

xo,
Cameron

Latest Obsession: Tie Dye

Lately I cannot get enough of tie dye.  I know, it seems so 1980's of me but I swear, it just feels fresh and fun and springy.  And it is popping up everywhere.

Look at these cute dresses:

And I want ALL of these pillows:

If I had a kid or a beach house, I'd be making some of these sheets NOW.

Even a whole chair can get the look.  Would be adorable in a play room:

And it isn't just on fabric.  Now you can eat your tie dye!  How adorable are these tie dyed cookie shirts?

Even these popsicles from Martha Stewart have the look.

So do you think I'm crazy and need to be sent back to the 80's?  :)

My Absolute Favorite Thing about Fall: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are one of my all time favorite things.  And I think it makes them even more tasty since I only get them once a year.  It is something my mom always used to do for us after my dad helped us carve the pumpkins.  It is a tradition I want to keep with my kids one day.

I'm not going to lie and say it isn't a lot of work - not difficult, just a lot of work.  But I look at it kind of like eating crabs - it is a ton of work but so worth it in the end!

Here's what you do for delicious roasted pumpkin seeds.

1. Get yourself a good assistant.

2.  Harvest the seeds.  I am going to attempt something new with my pumpkins this year so I emptied them from the bottom but you can do it from the top as well. 

I like to use two different containers so that you separate the seeds from the pulp.  If I were a better person I would've made a pie or something with the pulp but I didn't have it in me this weekend.

3. Soak the pumpkin seeds in water.  The pumpkin seeds will rise to the top and most of the remaining pulp attached to them will sink to the bottom.

4.  Spread your pumpkin seeds on paper towels to dry.  Pick out any other big pieces of pulp. 

5. Lay out pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet in a thin layer. 

6.  Sprinkle liberally with salt and olive oil. 

7. Roast in a 375 degree oven until nice and browned and crispy.  Your house will smell divine!

8.  Enjoy!  These will keep for about a week in an airtight container and make a wonderful snack.

My Favorite: Dog

Yes, I recognize I am slightly obsessed. Love that pup.

My Favorite: Kitchen Accessory

I have always had an obsession with dish towels. I think this started when I first moved out on my own and I didn't have a lot of money to purchase things for the house. I could usually afford a dish towel, though. I hang them over the stove and they lend some personality to whatever kitchen I'm in...and I've been in my fair share after renting for nearly ten years. When I moved to Scotland to work/study abroad, one of the only things other than my clothes and some pictures I took were a couple of dish towels!

Here are a few that I really like:

Heh heh. This one is from etsy.

My friend Liz's sweet mama gave me a handpainted flour sack dish towel by talented artist Marley Ungaro. I loved this orchid one as well. Navy is rapidly becoming one of my new favorite colors.

Anthropologie always has towels that I adore (two images above). Too bad the whole point of decor on the cheap doesn't work there...I like to hunt for their sale options and snatch them up.

Back to my bird obsession. This is from etsy as well.

My favorite: Flower

Peonies! So happy and pretty. As soon as I have a permanent yard to plant things in, I'm gonna grow some.

Hello affordable fresh flower displays!