Something dawned on me toward the end of 2013 and, though I've been hinting a little here and there, I hadn't actually decided whether I wanted to blog through the process or wait for the big reveal to say, "Surprise, look what I did!"... until now. I took a little time to think things though and after hitting a big brick wall during the beginning stages (I'm still there, thick in the dreaming/planning process) I realized that a little accountability and a few friendly faces may just be the kick I need to get things going. I love this little blog of mine! It's such a fun space for me to work on everyday and I think it's growing in such an organic and meaningful way. Instead of collecting a huge number of readers that I have no connection to, I'm making lasting friendships with some truly talented creators. It's taboo to talk about in our little world of blogging but I feel like I can do more, be more. How great would it be to turn this labor of love into something that I can do long term?

Recently all of these random interests I've been exploring for so long (design, art, lettering, paper, product curating...) just came together in an a-ha moment and it struck me. Why not open a little shop? I have this love for beautiful things, a background in retail and the desire to share those things with the people that I adore. At this point it's mostly a dream but I've got to start somewhere and sharing the idea just might be that first step!

Most of my 101 in 1001 goals were secretly geared toward the venture (calligraphy lessons to explore the possibility of creating my own art prints, getting through the business-y elements of opening a shop like applying for licenses, etc) and I'm hoping that working through them will help me figure things out a little more. I would love for it to be a space that includes a mixture of original work and things from brands that have my personal seal of approval but I'm open to anything at this point. I'm just excited to see where the process takes me!

I would love your input! What do you think about this goal of mine (I almost called it a "little" dream but it's anything but)? Have you done something similar? Do you have any advice?

image via

serena & lily sconce, otte ny eyelet tee, portrait of george washington, country estate ginger jar, one kings lane julep cup, antique brass desk lamp, serena & lily leather stool

The longer I live in the South the more I fall in love with its charm... you just can't find history, hospitality or tradition like this anywhere in the world! We've been living below the Mason-Dixon line for almost six years and I'm finally coming to terms with abandoning my Yankee upbringing for a slower, sweeter lifestyle.

The funnest way to acclimate to Alabama has definitely been finding ways to incorporate a little bit of Southern comfort into our home. Where I may have opted for a minimalist Parsons desk before, something from the antique store fits nicely now (paired with an Eames chair, of cours... I'm never letting those babies go). A framed portrait of our first president? I would have called you crazy a few months ago but now I just can't get enough! One of my 101 in 1,001 goals was to start a collection and I've already picked up a few antique pieces of blue and white china. The challenge now will be to blend the two styles that I'm loving so much (modern and traditional).

There sure is something sweet about the South, ya'll. It's probably tea.

Happy Friday sweet friends! Let's shake things up, shall we? I've been posting weekly roundups for a looooong time and I don't know about you, but I've been thinking that the old format was getting a little stale. While I love sharing my favorite pins and tumblr images from the week (you can always follow along here & here), I'm ready for something new...

This week was definitely a fun one! We spent some time readjusting to life as a little threesome (after my family's departure over the weekend) and were able to reclaim our space with gusto. The holiday allowed an extra day of lounging and a large slice of chocolate cake for Lo. We FINALLY made a big furniture purchase... no more eating dinner on the living floor ya'll, this girl is getting a dining room table! The chairs (these Eames replicas) arrived yesterday and I've got a busy weekend of assembly ahead. Since college days die hard, Mr. Jackson is making the eight our trek to his Florida Alma Mater to attend some cheesy theme party while Lorelai and I spend a quiet girls weekend at home... TOGA!

Hopefully this weekend will provide a ton of downtime for you to surf the net because the blogosphere was poppin'! Here's what I loved this week:

a fabulous profile of Juliette Lewis in The Edit Jenna Lyons modern brownstone via Domino Magazine Sally's words of wisdom on Likes of Us J.Crew goes a little "color crazy" on film & inside the gorgeous VONBON studio with The Glitter Guide

+ jimmy choo point-toe flats