Fall Through an Instagram Filter

Ahh, fall...what can be said that hasn't already been said about the wonders of this season? 

There are so many fabulous blogs on fall decorating  I've really enjoyed perusing as many as I can find.  I thought I would share our fall decor through the filter of Instagram...just because I'm digging that look.  
And this is basically how our weather has been lately...a little gray, a little understated.

I was able to scrape up some bittersweet vines that I stored carelessly thoughtfully on the garage floor...even though it's very delicate it's held up surprisingly well! I found this chandelier at La Bella Luce it reminded me of a photo I saw on Pinterest last year that I was determined to recreate. 

Here's the original photo below...do you remember it?

This new living room set up really opened up our small space, why didn't I do this two years ago??

Here is my public service announcement for adopting a shelter dog...if you have a loving heart you will get ten fold in return. This is Olive, she blends right in.

Hydrangeas in a dough bowl was another Pinterest inspired project...

Here is the original photo from StoneGable...

The blue grey of this heirloom pumpkin nearly matches my kitchen walls, I wish I could have captured it better.

'Til next time...

My Paris Apartment

Shocking, but true!

Another blog right on the heels of my last one.. suddenly I have a lot to say!

A whole house tour was my intention before blogging for a second or third time about any one room, howeverrrrrr, 

I'm about to re-do my dining room... again. 

When we moved in almost two years ago I was crazy about dark grey so I painted our tiny dining space Sherwin Williams Backdrop.  I love the color, and I would use it again, but I have found that it has only made our small space smaller. 

So cozy and yet so stifling. 

After years of running from white walls I am, actually, going to paint the space white. 

Gasp, I know!

I asked my design BFF, Melissa, to suggest a good shade, 

(do you know how many whites there are??) 

and she did; Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. 

I'm looking for that Paris apartment feel.
Looking may be an understatement.

 I. Am. Obsessed.

I'll let you know how the painting goes. In the meantime here are some of the photos I'm crushing over...maybe you'll understand why I'm dreaming of a creamy white

dining room!

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

 Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Wish me luck! 
I'll let you know how it goes...I'm off to the paint store!

'Til next time!

www.facebook.com/quartersone

My Whole(30) New Life

(A gratuitous photo of a chandelier)

Yesterday was my birthday!  
I woke up feeling amazing...happy with myself and looking forward to the year ahead.  For the past few years on my birthday I would say...'ok, STARTING TODAY, I am going to lose weight, take better care of myself, not worry so much, and make a difference to someone'.

 Unfortunately, most of those resolutions fall by the wayside shortly after the day passes.

This year, in anticipation of the big day, I decided take on the Whole30 challenge. 

If you haven't heard of Whole 30 you can get all the scoop on their website here. It's a strict version of Paleo style eating that is taking the health world by storm.

( I think this post may be far more interesting if there are multiple photos of beautiful chandeliers)

Last September I went to see a doctor at our local MTF 
(that's military treatment facility... AKA a clinic) 
about chronic pain, mild depression, and weight gain. This doctor gave me the worst medical advice ever. 
When I explained my concerns she shrugged her shoulders and said, "I guess you just need to get motivated". 
Then she walked out.
At the time I was furious, I filed a complaint and I never returned to that doctor or that clinic.

But, now that I think back on it, while it was a terrible thing for a  doctor to say to someone seeking help 
(thankfully I wasn't suicidal)
 I actually took her advice.

It took me a few months but I got motivated. 

(via)

A blog I follow, Miss Mustard Seed, wrote this post shortly before New Years Day, Made to Crave and Whole 30, and it totally spoke to me.  
I bought into it hook, line, and sinker.
I'm so thankful I did!

(via)

I won't go into all the specifics of Whole30. Basically, for 30 days, you eliminate grains, alcohol, legumes, dairy, and sugar from your diet.
After a few days on the program I woke up from the chemical and sugar coma I'd been living in my whole life. 
It's a true game changer.
After 30 days I am 10 pounds lighter.
I am pain free.
I am content.
I am anxiety free.  
I am truly happy.
This was the gift I gave myself on my birthday!
Though the 30 days are over, I plan to continue on the program with workouts 
(which I did not do last month) 
and I will never go back to treating myself so carelessly.

I did indulge in Prosecco and dark chocolate on my birthday but I feel confident that I can contain my celebrations to truly special occasions.

So, my big makeover in January was ME!

I hope your New Year's journey is a successful as mine has been so far! 

(via)

You may only remember the beautiful photos from this post 
(and that's ok!) 
but if you're looking for something to pull you out of whatever funk you're in, Whole30 is really worth a try!

(Whole30)

'Til Next Time!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Original photo of the weathervane at our beach house.

I'm always asked about my photos and what type of camera I use. All of my pictures are taken with my iPhone and edited through iPhoto or Instagram. However, my new very favorite app is Waterlogue for iPhone and iPad!  It turns your favorite photos into beautiful watercolors. I love it with my other favorite app, Over, which allows you to write on your photos with lots of different fonts and designs. Both cost a few dollars but I think they're worth it.

After being "Waterlogued"! The words are an excerpt from the poem "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. I have fond memories of my Grandfather reciting this poem when I was a child.

I am going to try printing out a photo with the Waterlogue app and I'll let you know how it works. It could be a great and inexpensive way to populate your wall with memorable art. Or it might just be a fun app to play around with online, we'll see!

 Our Quarters One

Thought this would be fun to share this Monday morning!
'Til next time!

Cynthia's Christmas Quarters Tour

Even though my dear friend, Cynthia, lives in an historic set of quarters on one of the oldest Army posts in the country, I always expect to see Ernest Hemingway sitting on her wrap around porch sipping something wonderful when I drop by. "Beachy" is not a word Cynthia particularly likes when describing her lovely turn of the century (20th century!) home, but her cool and simple style  exudes serenity and has guests feeling like they are visiting a beach somewhere in Bermuda!

Cynthia loves Paperwhites and Amaryllis, they look beautiful in silver urns.

Dark wood, neutral fabrics, cream walls, and plantation shutters, just say… "come in and relax"!

The living room mantle is simply decked in fresh greenery, candles and a wreath hanging from a garden gate.

Succulents in silver goblets are festive and also beautiful year round…so easy to care for if you don't have a green thumb!

Christmas ornaments in glass jars add a holiday pop.

I love these simple pieces of art, antique floor grates and a framed  crocheted snowflake.

 One of several trees in the quarters, this tree is decked out in silver ornaments and family momentos…a pewter polka dotted tree skirt gives it that perfect finish. Cynthia created this particular look by cutting branches randomly from the trunk, creating the perfect vintage tree.

One of my favorite pieces is this vintage shadow box made by her grandfather and showcasing her children's baby cups. Green was the original color of the little shadow box.

In the dining room, the table belongs to the quarters and so does the chandelier, but everything else is Cynthia's. 

Another wrought iron gate adorns the mantle with red candles in silver containers.

Cynthia is one of those people who has a gentle and calm voice, the kind that can deliver bad news and make it seem not so bad…do you know what I mean? But, she is lots of fun and so adventurous. These next few photos show her whimsical side…

Just a touch works!

Even the small kitchen (for such a large house) is in on the action! This Christmas card holder is really a store counter stand for small bags of chips. Cynthia picked it up at a flea market and re-purposed. I know I'll be on the look out for one of these for sure!

I'm so very grateful to Cynthia for letting me in her beautiful home and giving me lots of great ideas…for next year!  

You can see these and more photos of her quarters on our Facebook page

www.facebook.com/quartersone