Make-Up Must Have

I have always been a very loyal Bobbi Brown make-up girl. However, while digging through my make-up bag this morning I found my Laura Mercier Eye Cream in Platinum. I cannot explain how great this product is and what it does to your eyes. It is the perfect peachy, goldish, silver color. I know that sounds weird, but that is the color. I can wear it alone, or with a smudge of brown eyeliner. It is also perfect for highlighting your cheeks, brow bone, and the inside corners of your eyes. I cannot praise this product enough. Go buy it. Be sure to check out my Fall Fashion post on Parish's blog tomorrow. It is a good one!
Until next time,
Amanda

Hello my name is Amanda, and I am addicted to Polyvore.

I know I am always a little behind on the newest techno stuff. However, once I discover something, i.e. Twitter and Pinterest, I am addicted. My latest obsession is Polyvore. This site is amazing!!!! You can create any type of outfit your heart desires. The look is complete from your fingers to your toes...literally. Below are some of my looks. I have them posted on Pinterest as well, and plan on creating many more. I think I might even do a few posts on outfits to rooms. Why not!

I created the outfit above for a fun girl's night out. I am so in love with these leopard booties. I am also totally into the tassel earrings. I might have to buy those, to support the cause. Below is a fantastic outfit I created for a wedding or cocktail party. I love Roarke necklaces. They look great with a cocktail dress or a plain white t-shirt.

I am going to wear the outfit below everyday this fall. I tracked down the Tory Burch flats in Chicago, and they are en route to Montgomery as I type! The only thing I am worried about is my huge thighs is those tight red jeans. Thanks goodness I invested in Abcuts. :)


This green dress keeps me up at night. I will buy this, oh yes I will. Mom, if you are reading this, possible gift for your favorite and only child.

This outfit was created with a date night in mind for Paul and I. Its a little bit country(Paul), and a little bit rock n roll(me). A perfect combo for dinner and drinks in the booming metropolis of Montgomery, AL.

And last, but not least, Game Day!! Roll Tide!!!!! I will always love the idea of a fabulous dress and heels. Parading from Gallettes to the stadium. Those were the days!! But reality has set in, and I am not a college girl anymore. Tear. So this is my laid back version of Game Day. Who knows, I might trade the flat boots in for a pair with killer heels.

Until next time,

Amanda

DIY Antique Mirror...The Adventure

So the inspiration from Betsy Brown article in House Beautiful lead me to try a DIY project while visiting my mom in Mobile. We were going to make a fabulous antique mirror, and save tons of money. Ha! It was an adventure to say the least. I googled a few "how to's", and thought hey I can do this. I printed off the supply list and directions, and my mom and I ventured to Home Depot to gather our gear. This was at 11:30 in the morning. We finished our project at 9:00 at night. Two trips to Home Depot, three trips for wine and beer, and a huge mess later we completed the project. My sweet mom took the first mirror, because I wasn't 100% happy with the result. I have to say it looked great on her wall. It was NOT as easy as the other blogs made it out to be. Below is our adventure, and my advice on how to antique a mirror.

This is what the mirror will look like on the back once it is out of the box. There is a layer of paint that has to be removed. Maybe two layers, it depends. Lay it out on a drop cloth outside near a hose. Lather the paint stripper on and let it sit for as long as you can! It makes the removal process much easier. Then you can begin the oh so fun process of removing the muck. Tip, do not use organic paint stripper. Get the real deal. Organic took forever to work!!

This was our first mistake. We used a metal scrapper(that's what the other blogs said to do), and it made TERRIBLE scratches all over that could be seen on the other side. Plastic scrappers did the same thing. Lesson learned. Like my awesome gloves?

Here is when I needed a little liquid courage to keep me going. I recommend doing this when it is cool outside. The heat only adds to my frustration!

Once you start removing the stripper and paint, you will begin to see a silver mirrored finish. We found that a very gentle sponge, LOTS of cloths, and a little elbow grease was the best method for removing the paint and stripper. This helped avoid the scratches. We did all of this on a drop cloth. It gets messy!

More beer. This is key. Once the mirror has been stripped of paint, wash it off with the hose and give it a good wipe down. Once it is clean spray the backside with the muric acid. The more you spray the more antique it looks. I sprayed more around the edges so it would look more authentic. Let the acid sit for 20-45 seconds and rinse with the hose. This stuff is no joke. Be careful and do not breathe it in your lungs! If you think you want more spots, spray again and rinse again until you get the desired effect.

This is a crappy shot of the mirror after the muric acid was applied. Trust me it looks cool. Rinse and wipe the mirror down until it is completely dry. Now you are ready for the final step. Spray paint! Spray the entire back with black spray paint. Let dry. You are almost done.

Mom and I had moved onto wine at this point. This is the second mirror we had done, and we were kind of over it.

Close up of mirror with black spray paint applied.

Here is my sweet mom putting the finishing coat on the second mirror. She is going to kill me for this picture. I am not going to show you the final product, because I still have to frame it. Overall, the mirrors turned out great. I will do another post on the final outcome, and the progress of my fireplace mantle revamp. I need a few more things, and a little more money!!

Supplies:

* Mirror, any size you would like. I used a 36"x48"

* Chemical Resistant Gloves

* Muric Acid

* Spray Bottle

* Paint Striper

* Flat Black Spray Paint

* Lots of Disposable Cloths

* Drop Cloth

* Wine

Until next time,

Amanda

I am seriously obsessed....

I have a terrible blogger, and have probably lost most of my followers!! I am so very sorry. Work is busy, to say the least. I like busy, but hate not being able to post more often. I will work on this issue. In other news I have finally completed a post about my new all time favorite house by Betsy Brown. I have three copies of the new House Beautiful, if that tells you how much I love this house. It is the perfect mix of masculine and feminine. I happen to be married to a hunter, and antlers are a common occurance in our home. I have always loved the idea of antlers in our house, but had a hard time figuring how to display them. Well Betsy has shown me the way! I think it is improtant when shopping for accessories to look for things that are sculptural. A few other details that I am dying over, are the leaning mirrors and art work. It makes some pieces that seem too formal more approachable. I have a hilarious post about a DIY antiqued mirror. After a few trips to Home Depot and lots of wine, we have the start of a fabulous new mirror. I will try to post that later this week. So from here on out I am carrying one of my many issues around with me. I will spend every dime I have to get my house to look even slightly like this Possum Bend plantation!! I have attached a few key items below that can help you acheive the Betsy Brown look. Enjoy!

images via House Beautiful and Betsy Brown

Belgian Slop Arm Sofa Restoration Hardware

Antler Chandelier from Ebay

Antiqued Mirror from George Smith

Dwell Studio Black and White Rug

Until next time!

Amanda

I am a terrrible blogger!!

I will be back! I have so much to say about the new House Beautiful article on Betsy Brown, I can hardly contain myself. I am going put it on out there...my favorite home interior to date(well tied with McAlpines, turquoise throw room). I will work my fanny off for as long as I live to have my house look and feel the way that plantation does in Possum Bend, Alabama. Miss you guys!!

Amanda

Bobo does it again...

We are still playing catch up after a week away for the Atlanta market. If you have never been, it is exhausting!! The first day I had our schedule timed out to perfection. We hit a ton of our favorite showrooms, and a few new ones too. Sad to say we were a little underwhelmed. We left that day tired, hungry, and with swollen feet. Luckily we saved Bobo Intriguing Objects for day two. Man do they know how to stage a showroom. It was dark and moody, and had Mumford and Sons blaring in the background. I was was smitten from the second I walked in the door. Layers of new mixed with old, and out of this world dramatic upholstered pieces. We got our energy back, and drooled over their amazing new pieces. Below are a few of my favorites. Hope you love them as much as I do!! If you need any pricing let me know!!

GUSTAV SOFA

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! AND VERY COMFORTABLE

COPPER PENDANT

BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED

LIMEY WING CHAIR

THE EXPOSED TACS ON THE UPHOLSTERY WERE MY FAVORITE PART

ELKINS CHAIR

NOT NEW, BUT SO AMAZING. THE LEATHER IS LIKE BUTTER

MARBLE SCROLL LAMP

ELEGANT, YET HIP

FLEMISH SOFA

DRAMA!

Until next time,

Amanda

Sometimes you just need a little sparkle...

Do you every feel the need to throw on something sparkly and go out? My friend Meredith and I have been having this feeling a lot lately. Montgomery isn't the most cosmopolitan city, but sequins are "in" no matter what city you call home. So ladies, throw on some sequins and grab a Dirty Martini. You deserve it. Happy Friday. I leave you with some of my favorite items that would make me sparkle on the inside and out!!

Pinterest

Bradley...our favorite. J. Crew

Only $2,500 and this fab long skirt could be yours.

Love the mix of chambray and sequins, J. Crew

Sequin mini, yes please. J. Crew

So chic. Denim cut offs and a sequin striped sweater. J. Crew

This also comes in gold, and is on the way to my house as I type. Obsessed and impressed Victoria's Sercret! Who Knew?!

Perfection. Vince is so amazing. Pair this with a pair of black cigarette pants and bright colored platforms. Who is ready for a night out?

Until next time,

Amanda

Helpful Tips

I was flipping through the latest House Beautiful and was pleasantly surprised by the little treat just inside the cover. They call it a "Decorate by Numbers" tip sheet, that can be torn out and used when needed. I am going to list a few of my favorite tips from the experts they interviewed, some I have tweeked a little...

1. How to measure for a chandelier...
This one I knew by heart, but it is an amazing way to help figure the size chandelier you will need for you room. Add the width and the length of you room together, and that will give you a good gauge of the diameter you will need for your chandelier. Brilliant!!

2. How much paint do I need...
Typically a gallon of paint will cover 400 square feet of wall. Remember this is only a guide!!

3. How high off the dining table should your chandelier be...
Typically 36" from the bottom of the chandelier to the table top. Don't freak out if it is a few inches off, this is merely a guide.

4. How do I measure for my drapery rod...
I typically measure from outside moulding to outside moulding on the window, and add 8-10". If you don't have that much space on either side of your window try to have at least 2-3" of rod on either side of the window.

Hope these are as helpful to you as they are to me on a daily basis! Hope you guys are having a great week!! Check out my boss' new website that launched yesterday, www.ashleygilbreath.com. We have been working very hard making sure it is perfect. The portfolio has turned out amazing. There is also a link to our new blog. Become a fan, and receive 10% off your first purchase.

Until next time,
Amanda

Chi Omega Love. Collect V

I was a Chi Omega at The University of Alabama. I have some of the best memories, and made some very dear friends while at Alabama. While looking through a random Facebook feed on my Blackberry, I stumbled across a new super chic and stylish blog. It just so happens to be the brain child of these five gorgeous ladies below, and they are some of the sweetest, most stylish girls I know. Their new blog Collect V, is a collaborative collection of fashion, interiors, and entertaining ideas. Be sure to check out their blog, you will not be disappointed.

Amanda

Random Thoughts

To say work has been stressful, is an understatement. It is really hard to describe the pressure and weight this job makes you feel daily. I realize I am not saving lives, or finding a cure for cancer, but dealing with people's money is stressful! Having said that I do love what I do. I never have the same day twice, and I am surrounded by beautiful things everyday. Sorry for the pity party, but I needed a place to vent, and this blog happened to be my forum. I leave you with a little happy. I love the pink door enveloped by the bright green ivy. It makes me wonder what lies inside. I am thinking a super comfy sofa, a good book, and a big glass of iced tea.

image via imaginedesignblog.com

Amanda

I am kind of obssesed...Tara Shaw Maison

I am so sorry for my absence. Work has been beyond busy, but too much work is better than no work!! I have been a huge fan of Tara Shaw for years. Her antiques are out of this world beautiful, and usually out of this world expensive. Her expertise in Italian, French, and Swedish antiques has led her to create her own more affordable line of reproductions. Tara Shaw Maison has been her baby for the past four years. Her hard work and attention detail shows. The collection is stunning. The wonderful thing about an old piece, or a piece that looks old is that it can mix with a variety of different interior styles. Take a peek at some of my favorite items from the collection.

SHELTER SOFA IN BELGIAN LINEN

ITALIAN MIRRORED SCONCE
SWEDISH ROCOCO COFFEE TABLE

GILDED IRON TABLE WITH STRAIGHT LAGS

SWEDISH THREE DRAWER CHEST

ITALIAN 12 ARM CHANDELIER

IRON VENETIAN CANOPY BED

ITALIAN BUFFET

All of the items can be found on Laylagrace.com, but hopefully soon at Parish in Montgomery!!

Amanda

One of my favorite kitchens...

I know a lot of people blog about this kitchen, but it is so great!! Anne Turner Carroll, an Auburn graduate, is the mastermind behind this renovation. I love the open work shelving, subway tile, antique brass hardware, and amazing pendant lights. It looks like a kitchen I would truly want to cook in!! It is not over the top, or too fussy. It is just right. What do you guys think?

images courtesy of Cottage Living

Amanda