Link Love No. 59!

I just came back from a family picnic where we watched fireworks. The big fireworks show started around 10 pm, but we go to this really nice park (and it is the perfect spot to see the fireworks) to eat and play while we are waiting for the show. It has been several years since we started doing this, and I guess it has became one of our family traditions. My kids always talk about the special Fourth of July picnic.

What we do is, we take a bunch of food, bubbles, Frisbee, balls and other outdoor play things and play. After dark, we do our own fireworks, and we bust out the glow sticks. When the show starts, we just sit in our chairs, or lay around on the blanket to watch the beautifully designed lights in the night sky.

It was lots of fun! Watching their smiling faces made me forget the hectic day for getting ready for this picnic. I wonder if this picnic would be one of the fun moments from their childhood memories.

Did you do anything special? Or do you have any plans for July 4th?

If you have any parties planned, these would be nice party favors. Homework shared these fourth of July rocket favors using the lyrics "Firework" by Katy Perry. It is a cute decoration for a party but the words on the rockets make this project more than that.


I have been drawn to simple bracelets lately. Those simple yet beautiful bracelets by Yellow Blackbird caught my attention! She shared a step by step tutorial on her blog, this must go on to my "to make" list.


Show Tell Share shared this unique pin tuck wave pillow with us. I love the color combination and how the waves make the pillow more interesting.


Oh my gosh, I think if I see lemonade stands like this I would have to stop the car to by something (and I can take a closer look)! Every year my kids ask me if they can do a lemonade stand, but we live on a street where there is hardly any traffic, so I kept saying "nah". I might say "ok kids, let’s just do it!", just so I can experiment and build a fun lemonade stand. :) Head over to The Pixie Lane to see all the pictures she posted. The details she put in are so adorable!


I have been eyeing different types of wall decor lately. I think this one shared by Tam from Sew Dang Cute is very fun and pretty! It is also a great way to display your favorite fabrics on the wall.


Thank you everyone for sharing the awesome projects. I will see you at the next post!

July Blog of the Month – Emily A. Clark

Today I am thrilled to be featuring Emily A. Clark as the July RDH blog of the month.

The first time I came across Emily’s blog I immediately fell in love with her family friendly, modern take on traditional style.

Emily’s Family Room

Emily’s Dining Room

Eating Area in Emily's Kitchen

Emily is an interior designer from Charlotte, NC who believes beautiful spaces can be achieved through creativity – even on a small budget – by shopping for bargains and repurposing pieces clients already own. A perfect example of this philosophy is her daughter’s bedroom which was featured on HGTV and in Southern Child Magazine.

Instead of painting white circles on the wall behind the bed, Emily simply used wall decals. The side table was found at T.J. Maxx and was spray painted black.

She also repainted a dresser which she found in her Dad’s storage building. My favorite part of this project is how Emily used different patterned pieces of scrapbook paper to line the drawers. Genius!

A great new feature on Emily’s blog is her “Now . . . and Then” series. If you have ever looked back at old photographs of rooms in your house and cringed (I know I have!), then this series is for you.

Emily asks guest bloggers to share a picture of a room in their house from years ago and compare it to the same space today. Guests are then invited to share what they don’t like about the old space, what they like about the new space and how their style has evolved.

One of her most recent guests was Tobi Farley who shared the pictures shown below.

Tobi's Dining Room Then

Tobi's Dining Room Now

To see what Tobi had to say about her dining room click here.

Besides working with local clients, Emily also offers on-line design services. Look at this beautiful design board she recently created.

To see more of Emily’s incredible style be sure to stop by Emily A. Clark. Also be sure to congratulate her on her well-deserved upcoming feature in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine!



Shabby Apple Summer Sale

To see the pictures, head over here.

Hi all, just a quick shout out for Shabby Apple!

Beginning July 1st they will be having their summer sale! Use coupon code SUMMER20 to save 20% off, Site Wide! The only exclusion is Amalfi Coast Swim Wear.

This is their biggest sale EVER because EVERY dress is on sale! And the best news? The sale runs the entire month of July!

Wow, every dress is on sale? (You know me, I LOVE dresses). Hmmm... Something to think about.

Roamin’ Holiday is one of my favorite collections; here are some of my favorites...

Piazza Navona: Isn't this a gorgeous dress? The color of the dress is sophisticated and grown up, but the ruffly neckline and how the skirt flows make this dress more dramatic!

Aurelia: I love the simplicity of this dress. The corsage on the waist line completes the look. How adorable!

Baciami!: What a brilliant design! I always loved skirts with borders, but I have never seen a dress like this. The color red gives a playful aspect to this sleek dress.

What do you think? Aren't they gorgeous? Head over to Shabby Apple with coupon code SUMMER20 and enjoy shopping!