Stripes and Whimsy

On My Mind…Lately

Well y’all, it’s finally Friday!  Sorry I’ve been quiet this past week.  I’ve just had zero creative thought in my brain lately, so it’s been hard to muster any energy to create a decent blog post. 
 
Do you ever feel like you’re on top of the world and you’re doing an amazing job at balancing all your responsibilities and you’re pretty much just being awesome at life?  That’s how I felt a few weeks ago.  Everything was tidy, I was about 4 weeks ahead on blog posts, I finally lost the 3 pounds that were lingering after a long winter, everything worked out with securing the venue for our wedding and all the vendors we wanted were available…and now my apartment is a mess, my eyebrows look like caterpillars, I have no blog posts scheduled, and I’m not very motivated to go work out.  Ugh. 
 
I think it’s likely because I have so many big transitions happening right now.  I’ve been stressing out about moving because we couldn’t find a good place to live in Baltimore (we finally settled on Columbia, MD and have secured an apartment that we will move into in 3 weeks), my last day of work in the Army is next Friday, I’m thinking about starting a small business, and I should be planning a wedding.  It’s just a lot to handle so the little things (and to be honest…the big things too) fall by the wayside.  I’m really hoping that once I’m out of the Army I can do a better job of keeping managing everything.  Only 7 more days!
 
Ok well enough of that rambling…here is a round up of the fun and pretty things I’ve been loving this past week.
 
1.  White Kitchens. 

carrera marble countertops, colorful accents

Last week I had the chance to stage my dream bungalow in Alexandria, VA.  Since then, I’ve been thinking about what I would do to create my dream home, and this definitely includes a white kitchen.  I’m really into white cabinets, Calcutta or Carrera marble counter tops, and subway tile backsplashes right now.  I just love how this kitchen is so clean and simple, yet the bright colors make it light and whimsical.

2.  Casey DeBois’s Everygirl Home Tour and CustomAcrylicDesigns.

entry table

As always, I’m a sucker for an amazing home tour.  I just love to see how normal people turn their spaces in inspiring and fun places to live and relax.  Casey DeBois’s home tour on the Everygirl was my favorite tour in quite a while.  I am slightly obsessed with her entry table.  She shared her source for it, and it’s from an Etsy store called CustomAcrylicDesigns.  Even though I already have a lucite console table from CB2, I may still look into getting something unique like this once we move.

3.  Trader Joe’s Fruit Frenzy Bar.

Ok so this photo is from the Glitter Guide and it’s supposed to be showing off the fun manicure.  What I’m concerned with though is the delicious popsicle she has in her hands.  I tried this flavor earlier this week (it’s raspberry, lemon and strawberry) and it’s absolutely amazing.  It’s made from real fruit and is the perfect summer treat.

4.  Beachy Home Decor.

colorful beach decor

Living in Hawaii was an absolute dream for me, and I’ve always felt most at home when I’m by the ocean.  I may be buying a home at Fripp Island, SC with my parents pretty soon (I grew up vacationing there every summer and it’s so relaxing and wonderful), so of course I’ve started looking up ideas for how to decorate a beach home.  I don’t know if I want to go with navy blue and neutral colors for a relaxing pallet, or should we go for something a little more unexpected?  I love the black, white and turquoise color combo in this picture…but I also am crazy about the more traditional nautical look…I’m so torn!  What style do you think I should go with??? 

Have a nice weekend y’all! 
 

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Katie Vail
Katie Vail

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Leave a comment

  1. Vannessa@Luxuria
    July 25, 2014 / 4:17 pm

    Wow! I think I need to go back and read a few older posts. Didn't realize you were getting married and leaving the army. Clearly I am late to the party 😉
    I have a home in Spain and I kept with the blue and white theme; then it's easier to add/change bright accessories as and when you fancy. Lovely post as always.

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth
    July 25, 2014 / 8:42 pm

    We just moved back to the US a month ago, so I still feel (often) like I'm a mess. It happens; give yourself some grace. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Hazel H.
    July 25, 2014 / 9:11 pm

    Go for the color! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Deb
    July 25, 2014 / 9:51 pm

    Best advice anyone ever gave me when I was feeling overwhelmed with stuff was "eat the elephant slowly". So…one thing at a time Miss Katie and be gentle on yourself.

    Reply
  6. Karen
    July 31, 2014 / 2:51 pm

    I love that black and white and teal combo! That is absolutely gorgeous. You can always start with something bold like that and then in 3 years or so make it over! You know you will want to make it over after a while no matter which one you choose 😉 There are just too many good options!

    Reply
  8. Katie del Castillo
    July 31, 2014 / 2:57 pm

    Oh you know I will 🙂 I don't know what I'd do in a neutral room…they are pretty though!

    Reply
  11. Katie del Castillo
    July 31, 2014 / 2:59 pm

    I completely agree! Such a fun combo, and knowing me the home will keep evolving over time. I love a good project!

    Reply

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