100 Layer Cake

I am loving this wedding blog I found the other day.  It is full of gorgeous bits of everything!  They have pretty much everything you need to be inspired for your wedding, especially a DIY one.  There is so much creativity featured here and I love all of the clever ideas for decorations made out of everyday items.  They also feature some amazing photography and it has really made me realize that this is most likely what I will spend the majority of my money on someday.  I really want to have some of these awesome dreamy looking photos.  So amazing!  Check out the blog {here} and they have an amazing marketplace where people sell "recycled" items from their own weddings, including dresses!  Check that out {here}!

Serious Inspiration

This completely blew my mind today.  I stumble upon it while looking for new room decor ideas, and it is by far one of the best room transformations I have ever seen.  There is something about transforming spaces that just makes me so excited.  I love seeing a space that looks hopeless, and imagining all the things I could do to make it amazing.  It's something I do very often, while waiting at the doctors office, or in a store downtown that's not the nicest but has potential, or a restaurant.  I think it's why I love landscaping so much.  There is so much room for creativity and I love turning something ordinary into something amazing.

The photo below is what the room looked like when the homeowner was first looking to purchase the house {yeah, I did a double take too.  It's the same exact room, I promise}.  So dark, dreary, no life to it at all.  And just overall bad decor.

 And this is what it looked like when she first moved in.  They ripped up the carpet, refinished the floors, painted the walls and trim, and added new furniture and drapes.  

The room later progressed to this stage where she had painted the walls ivory, the trim a bright white, added some new furniture, and some gorgeous new floor length drapes.

And finally, this was the end result!  She painted the mirror and reupholstered the chairs, made the last curtain panels and slimmed down the accessories.  Wow.  This is such an amazing transformation.  I loved seeing the progression of it.  I feel like this is very similar to the way I decorate.  I get an idea, and it seems to transform over time into something I absolutely love.  It's kind of rare for me to decorate a room, and be completely happy with it immediately after.  I love those arm chairs by the way.  Lately, I have been obsessed with rustic looking wood on furniture with very clean looking linen upholstery.  I'm going to have to find a way to work some of that into my new room!

Visit her blog {here} for more amazing inspiration!

{bhldn}

Thank God for Anthropologie, at least I had something to look forward to on Valentines Day!  I've been very very excited for the debut of {bhldn}, Anthropologies bridal line and it did not dissappoint.  Of course I'm a little bias being one of Anthro's biggest fans, but really I think the majority of these dresses are amazing.  They are very different, and are not for everyone.  But that's what I love about this store.  

This is by far my favorite wedding dress.  I don't think I would wear it for the actual ceremony, but I've always wanted a second dress for the reception that was more comfortable and easy to move and dance in.  This dress really embodies my personality and I think it would be so fitting.  It's only $600 and to be very honest, there is a very good possibility that I'll end up buying this dress just to have it.  But don't tell my Father that...shhh.

I'm also very in love with this dress.  I absolutely adore how structured the top of it is, and then how the fabric just pours out of the waist line.  Also, the color combination is amazing.  I don't love how it's bustled though, I would probably see if there was any way that could be altered if possible.  I remember seeing this dress in the little sneak preview movie they had, and it made my heart flutter.

 

I'm loving this bridesmaid dress.  The grapefruit color is gorgeous and I love the giant bow in the back.   I've been really into these bright colors lately, and I think it would be so cute to have your bridesmaids in different color dresses like this.  And again, this one is on my list for possible purchases in the future because it's only $240.  I think that is very reasonably priced for Anthropologie.

This dress is just adorable.  I love the little bows on the top of the shoulders.  And the shape and length of the dress is perfect.  Nevermind the fact that the color is one of my very favorites and would look perfect with my current shade of red hair!  It's only $200 which is amazing, and now my wish list is swiftly growing.  

Be sure to checkout the website here.  There is plenty of other amazing accessories like shoes, jewelry, lingerie,  hair accessories, and cover ups. 

Baked Eggs

I thought I'd start posting a recipe every Sunday, since it's usually my favorite day to cook.  Whether it's a big Sunday dinner or a yummy brunch, I just love the Sunday routine of being in the kitchen, and just lounging around while the wonderful aromas from the oven waft about the house.  I wanted to post a recipe from "What Katie Ate" since I just posted about her blog, and this baked eggs recipe seemed quite perfect.  It's hard to find someone who doesn't like eggs, and personally I will never pass up a dish that includes prosciutto, cherry tomatoes and basil!  This just looked so easy to make, but oh so yummy.  I am really looking forward to making this from the fresh produce in my own garden.  Ah...there's that Spring/Summer fever again.  Happy Sunday!

New Love for {Forever 21}

Pleated Linen Skirt, $18
Gauzy Plaid Shirt, $15
Chic Leatherette Heels, $21
Ultra Shimmer Eye Shadow Palette, $5.80

I haven't been to Forever 21 in probably four years.  I've always liked it, but never really found a whole lot of things there.  But yesterday I was on a mission for a new outfit to wear out and because I couldn't find a parking spot to shop at Urban Outfitters (although, I'm not a huge fan of that store) I ended up going to Forever 21 that just opened in downtown Charleston in a giant store space.  I think I spent at least an hour just wandering around, because there was SO much to see!  Their clothes are so adorable.  I was really surprised at the selection and the prices are AMAZING.  Really.  I picked this outfit out on my first round through the store.  I saw this pleated linen skirt that was not really something I would ever wear, but felt the need to try it on anyways.  And right after I spotted this amazing plaid shirt that is really thin and just super adorable.  And lucky for me, they had a great shoe selection so I figured why not just complete the outfit?!  I immediately spotted these adorable gray heels that are perfect for the casual but cute attire I was going for.  I tried the whole outfit on and WOW it looked so cute!!  I was really proud of myself for putting together such an adorable outfit that quickly.  I'm usually not very good at that!  And while I was in line for checkout, I saw this cute little eyeshadow set that had the prettiest colors in it for only $5.80!  Score.  I can't wait until it's warmer so I can wear this without tights and a sweater, although it still looked really cute with that added to it.  So if you haven't been to Forever 21 lately, I highly suggest you go! 

What Katie Ate

I stumbled upon this amazing food blog the other day called "What Katie Ate" and I've been addicted ever since.  I love food.  Who doesn't?  But I also love love love great photography.  So, amazing photography of food is just the greatest thing ever to me.  The blog is written by a gal from Australia named Katie, who is a professional food photographer.  The food is so amazing and different, and she even has recipes along with some of the photos.  I really want to try one of them, because they are really out of my comfort zone as far as cooking goes. 

I love the post she did about "Australia Day".  It was for a magazine, and the photos are so great.  It looks like the most fun party ever with the most amazingly delicious food.  If you haven't noticed already, I am a huge fan of backyard parties and making really yummy and fun food.  I love taking a regular barbeque where people are expecting the usual burgers, hot dogs, and salads, and surprising them with really elaborate but delicious comforting foods.  That's what this party reminded me of.  And yet again...I am longing for that warmer weather and dreaming up my next gathering.  Please take a look at this blog, I promise you will not be dissappointed!

A Taste of Summer

It's probably really bad that I've skipped right over Spring fever today, and I'm already longing for Summer, but I think it's just this dreary weather we've been having for the past couple of weeks.  Well, the past few months have been colder than normal.  But these luscious photos spark a little bit of joy and excitement in me, so I had to share them.  I love strawberry picking, and I'm so excited to be able to join my Sister and her family this year on their annual trip.  Well, they pick lots of things throughout the season but strawberries might be my favorite.   That is one thing that I've really missed about living up North, there are so many U-Pick farms with such gorgeous produce throughout the seasons.  Down here in the South we've got slim pickin's!  

So I guess today is just going to be devoted to dreaming about Summertime.  My feet in the grass.  Warm sun on my skin.  Trips to the beach, and walks down by the seawall at night.  The Fourth of July and spontaneous backyard barbeques.  Spending the day with my hands in the dirt, sewing seeds and then harvesting the bounty.  Oh Summertime, you can't come fast enough...

Citron & Tangelo

It is miserably cold and rainy out today.  So when I saw this over at Creature Comforts I just had to share it.  It just immediately transported me to a backyard summer party.  I am loving the color combo of orange and yellow paired with the citrus green.  And of course, my favorite color gray makes a subtle appearance and works as a perfect backdrop to the bright hues.  This photo just gave me a shot of happiness on a dreary day.  I can't wait to start planning my first backyard party.  I'm thinking I might even throw myself a birthday party in May.

Tiny Spaces

For anyone who doesn't know me, I'm obsessed with small spaces.  Well, the challenge of decorating them.  I don't know what it is, but I just get so excited when I see a tiny little room, or apartment that is decorated in such a clever and cozy way.  I have a dream to one day {hopefully soon} own a little carriage house in the South that I can fix up and decorate.  I love how tiny and oh so cozy they are.  This photo above is just perfect.  Imagine seeing this space empty.  I'm certain it looked like just your average teeny tiny space, with no potential.  But with a little bit of cleverness it is now a cozy space for working, reading, watching television, listening to music, crafting, dreaming, entertaining {yes, I would definitely bring friends over to hang out in this tiny room}.  I also have an obsession with light fixtures.  When I move into my Sisters house next month, I'm pretty sure that will be one of my first purchases.  I think they can totally transform a room.  And you can get one for super cheap and fix it up with just a few dollars.  But in the meantime, I will be dreaming up and planning for that carriage house.

Grosgrain: The Best Medicine Frock Grosgrain Giveaway (Valentine's Special)

Over at my new favorite blog there is an awesome giveaway for this gorgeous hand made dress!  All you have to do is leave a comment and you are entered to win.  Easy peasy.  And how adorable is her hair?  I really wish I could have a fun hairstyle like that.  I think that's why I love having such vibrant red hair.  Dying my hair is the only thing I can do to it, I am so hair illiterate.  I have no idea how to do fun cute things with it.  Oh well, maybe someday!  

Click this link to view the dress and enter the giveaway!
Grosgrain: The Best Medicine Frock Grosgrain Giveaway (Valentine's Special)

Inspirations

I really love everything about this photo.  It reminds me a lot of myself.  Well, except for the fact that I would probably never wear shorts that short...but maybe this summer.  I've been working hard on the extra carbs.  Anyways, that bike is so rad and the overall photograph is just awesome.  I wonder who she is?  Where she is going? I'm inspired.  

In Love with {Grosgrain}

Last week I stumbled upon this amazing blog while searching for a quick and easy skirt tutorial.  And, I think I've easily spent at least ten hours falling all over every single post she's made.  This gal can out craft me any day of the week.  She's a Mama of three girls, and is a pro at finding thrift store goodies for just dollars and turning them into something straight out of an Anthropologie catalog.

{yes, that was once a plain old ugly thrift store orange sweater}

I really just can't tell you how much inspiration I've gained from reading her blog.  And I feel like it's been a really long time since that has happened.  Which is so refreshing, and very exciting.  I just love seeing all the projects she's made.  And really, there are so many things she's made from thrift store finds that you wouldn't even think twice about on the rack, but after she's worked her magic they look so gorgeous.  And speaking of gorgeous, her photographs are amazing.  I'm always such a sucker for good photography, and she certainly takes the cake on that one.  This blog will definitely be a daily visit for me. 

Welcome to the {new} Darling Dear!

{quote from my very favorite part of 500 days of summer}

Ah, it feels good to be back.   It's been a while because sadly, last December my computer was stolen which made it impossible for me to do any blogging without my beloved Photoshop program.  It took me a long time to get everything back, and now I'm ready to roll!  And it certainly helps that lately I have been stumbling upon the most amazing blogs and online stores that are giving me oh so much inspiration.  I tried to import the original Darling Dear, but I was having some issues.  And honestly, I'm kind of ready to start over with a clean slate.  I have all the old posts saved on file, so maybe I'll bring back a few of my favorites.  We'll see.   But anyways, if you are reading this...I'm glad you're back {or here for the first time!} and I'm certainly glad to be back too.

Xo,
Meg