INSIDE NASHVILLE'S CHICEST INTERIOR DESIGNER, RUTHIE LINDSEY'S STYLISH EAST NASHVILLE HOME

Before I take a break from blogging,  I thought I'd share the article I wrote for 12th and Broad on interior designer, Ruthie Lindsey and her beautiful East Nashville home. 

You can find the article HERE

+ find Ruthie through her social media channels:

Instagram @Ruthielindseydesign

www.ruthielindseydesign.com

HAPPY TWO YEAR BLOGIVERSARY & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year you guys! 
I hope you've all had wonderful holidays and are now blissfully in food comas, cuddling your empty champagne bottles or just basking in the glow of your 2013 accomplishments. 

And on the topic of accomplishments:

The 10th of this month will be my 2 year blogiversary! So, happy birthday, blog!

Oh how time flies. I'm getting anxiety as I type - knowing that in a single blink of an eye it'll be 2015. There are so many things on my New Years resolutions list! I better get started now! Maybe tomorrow. shit. the downward procrastination spiral begins.

my laziness aside...

I've had so much fun these past two years. I can't even produce words that match the feelings of sheer joy that I've gotten from finally taking the leap and staking out my own little portion of the inter-webs (otherwise known as my blog) and filling it with all that makes me happy.  

Not only that, but I've made so many friends along the way. The abundance of creative minds and open, warm hearts in this beautiful, beautiful town can be so overwhelming. I almost feel like my heart will explode when I think about all the people that I love here. All the inviting places I've been. All the places I'll go.  It's pretty mother freaking exciting. 

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been there with me each step of the way. When I was slacking, you'd keep me on my toes. Thank you for the support, the company, the collaborations and most especially - the fashion and friendship that you've all given me. 

I really value every one of you! And for those of you who I don't know so well - please don't ever be afraid to say hi. 

You guys can expect more from me in the future. Don't forget - #NashvilleFashionWeek is right around the corner. You can also keep up with me through Nashville Style Collective, which I can't wait to share more about.  LOVE YOU GUYS. 

I just wanted to share this beautiful quote by Kahlil Gibran which happened to be hanging on my friend Ruthie's fridge. I feel like quotes are always around, right when you need to hear them the very most.

Happy 2014.

NASHVILLE! GET YOUR HAIR DID.

I had the pleasure of meeting Glynnis Garcia, one of the talented and lovely ladies that make up Salon FX - a midtown salon and spa that can dish up just about whatever you might be looking for. They really are a total package, with salon services, hair services and of course for those of you already day dreaming about  spring and summer  - spray tanning.  I guess I've grown to love my Edward Cullen shaming white skin, but couldn't turn down the opportunity to "get detailed like a car" as Glynnis so adorably put it. And it was New Years Eve, so why the hell not.  
I've got to admit, I'm kind of loving convincing everyone I run into that I've been in Bali for the holiday. IM SO TAN. 
Not only was this sweet goddess kind enough to give me a golden glow, she gave me a great blowout and plenty of useful tips on how to achieve the same sleek look myself. My hair had the perfect loose curl by the time she was done.  

Right now Glynnis has some great client perks. You can get 20% off of your color service with either her, or Katie Carver. She also has a referral program where you can receive a free haircut if you refer a friend, or $10 off your service. 

Check out some of her amazing editorial work!

You can find more from Glynnis on her Facebook page HERE + Don't forget to call or go online to make an appointment.615-321-0901

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

Liz Goldwyn & Karen Elson present Vintage Vanguard, benefitting DRESS FOR SUCCESS - 1/6 - 1/12 through MODAOPERANDI.COM 

Everyone loves being stylish and helpful to others AT THE SAME TIME!

Taxidermy Classes 2/28 - 3/2 

@ Hail, Dark Aesthetics Nashville

Get in on this sweet class at one of my newest favorite places. Classes are $200 and details can be found HERE. 

YOLO

Eyeliner / Beautybar, $16 Sunglasses / Nastygal, $40 Drawstring Tote / Cynthia Rowley, $225 Cut-Out Boots / MissGuideUs.com, $66 HIGHPhone Case / Karmaloop, $12 Black Skinny Jeans / J-Crew, $125

BE YOURSELF, TOGETHER #TARGETWEDDING

Now that the madness of the holiday season is slowly subsiding and spring is only a few months away - you know what that means. 

Wedding Season. 

Don't panic. It's really not so bad. Whether you're a bride, a bridesmaid or an innocent bystander - it can be fun! Especially with the right arsenal of chic wedding gifts at your fingertips. I'm a big do-it-yourselfer, so any opportunity to create something kitschy and cute always thrills me. With Target's guiding light, I figure the perfect gift CAN be possible. Don't settle for an impersonal silver picture frame or a glass vase that the happy couple might possibly return - put a little fun and thought in to it! 

DIY:

If you're feeling a little intimidated, just go with a theme. Everyone loves themes. 

Try a "relaxation" theme by filling up a cute whicker basket with two towels, (I love these beautiful vintage inspired floral towels by Threshold) and some designer soaps and bath products. I'm pretty obsessed with all of Sonia Kashuk's beauty and bath line. Great stuff!

And well. Everyone loves candles. If you don't love candles, we just can't be friends. These were a few of my favorites from Bella: Capri Olive and Lemonwood + Fresh. 

If you're feeling goofy, a rubber duck would be a pretty adorably hilarious addition, right? This wicker basket by Smith & Hawken would double as a great laundry basket. Plus - how organizationally delicious is the attached chalkboard? And yeah, I guess you could put veggies in it too. 

Target's wedding registry is an easy place to get started. Here are five tips for adding flare to any gift:

1. For the party couple: Threshold Gold Cocktail Shaker to go with these Riedel Vivant Martini Glasses. Classy! 

2. The artsy fartsy kids: This Threshold Round Metal Honeycomb accent table would be pretty hilarious to wrap. I like to keep people guessing.

3. The Lovebirds: Those people who are all PDA. Yeah. They probably never get out of bed. High quality sheet sets for them! Maybe these sheet sets by Threshold would be a nice start along with this earth friendly organic blanket!

4. The crazy couple that wakes up at 5am to jog: HIS: The Schwinn Men's Legacy Cruiser HERS: Huffy Lady's Empire Cruiser. 

5.  And of course, we can't forget about the Foodies in your life. How about this Hamilton Beach Juicer? You know, because everyone is juicing now. It's a thing. 

Fear not, wedding gift shoppers. I have total faith in you! 

This post is brought to you by Target & all opinions are my own! Follow along using the hashtag #TARGETWEDDING You know you want to. 

NAIL TIPS: HOW TO GET A PERFECTLY STRAIGHT LINE EVERY TIME

I can't tell you how many manicures I've completely butchered over the years, but no more! I came across this handy little how-to while stumbling through the endless amusement pit otherwise known as the internet. 

I can't remember exactly which site I found it on - but I dedicate this DIY to all the ladies who don't have time to waste re-painting their nail tips this Holiday party season. You're welcome! 

Things you need:

1. Two bottles of nail polish in contrasting colors to create a "french tip" // For a legit Frenchie style, use a cream or baby pink base with a white or cream tip. 

2. A Rubber band!

Paint your bottom coat and make sure you give it enough time to dry before attempting to create the tip. 

Pull the rubber band tight across the nail as seen in photo number one. Hold it in place while you paint the tip. Continue this process until you've painted every tip. Holding the rubber band tight and as straight across the nail as possible is the key for a great line. 

Finish it all up with one - two top coats to keep it strong.

Yeah, it's the easiest thing you've done all Holiday Season, I know.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH DILLARD'S & KIEHL'S!

I'm now a firm believer in the magic of Kiehl's. I'm hooked on their Creme de Corps all over body moisturizer and will forever be indebted to their avocado under eye treatment. Really. It's SO GOOD. If you haven't given this miraculous product line a try yet, here is your big shot! 

You can get $20 off a purchase of $65 dollars or more now through December 21st at Dillard's. Could you possibly need a more fabulous excuse? Don't wait any longer to make those last minute holiday purchases - Kiehl's has you covered. Or you can totally go Scrooge mode and buy yourself something nice. No judgement here. Promise. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I had an amazing time last weekend at 12th & Broad's Christmas party.  My best friend Codie who you may know around town or from her contributions to The Tennessean & her plus size style blog, A Brunette is a serious party queen and knows how to throw down.  She helped put together this fun event - in addition to being a founder of 12th & Broad. If you haven't checked out what the fuss is all about, I highly suggest you get with it. 

You can find 12th & Broad on Facebook or visit their newly launched website HERE. 

I hope you're all having a great holiday season and I'm looking forward to seeing you all out and about!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: THE KIDDOS

Nothing says Christmas like happy, giggling little voices. I'm blessed to have two adorable nephews - but I've got to admit, when it comes to kids I'm clueless.

I normally don't venture into the toy isles, but working with Target on creating a holiday shopping guide really released my inner child. 

I had to take a time machine trip back to the early nineties for a little inspiration. What were some of your favorite gifts? I was something of a Tom-boy, but I still had a soft spot for playing house. If you're shopping for your little lady this year, I'd definitely suggest some girly girl goodness like this Barbie Stylist Tote ($15) or maybe she can get her cook on with a classic Easy Bake Oven ($45) stylish ride-in VW Beatle  ($162) or Princess Purse Set ($15)

If you're shopping for your little man, bust out the cowboy boots and go with a wild west theme! I'm so in love with this Canvas Teepee  ($200) I want one for my room too! Add to the rustic feel with this Western Door Curtain ($18) and super cute Rodeo Lamp Shade ($26) and sassy Cowboy Boots. 

Giddy up. 

You can check out Target's huge selection of kid-friendly Christmas gifts HERE.

What are you planning for your little ones? You can follow along with us as we shop this holiday season using the hash tag #MyKindOfHoliday 

This post is brought to you by Target - content / opinions are my own. 

WINTER WONDERLAND: ACCESSORIES FOR EVERY WINTER WARDROBE

Mango black quilted jacket, $190 / Dr. Martens white patent shoes, $120 / Zara handbag, $80 / Topshop silver band rings, $25 / Topshop Earrings, $55 / DANNIJO swarovski crystal jewelry, $567 / Acne Studios round frame glasses, $370 / Essie nail polish, $8

RUSTIC CHIC FOR THE THANKSGIVING TABLE UNDER $50 #MyKindOfHoliday

Target made me feel pretty dang special by including me as a part of their Influencer Network! Guess what this means: One more excuse to shop at Target!  Not like I needed another one, I pretty much live there...  

To get my slacking rear end in go-mode for Thanksgiving this year I've been spending an obscene amount of time sorting through Pinterest for inspiration to create a perfect centerpiece-masterpiece. Decorating has always been my favorite holiday tradition and I'm totally one of those people who put their Christmas tree up in November before Thanksgiving even rolls around. This year I got a little too antsy and it went up right after I took all of my Halloween decorations down. I just can't help myself!

Although my tiny apartment only allows for so many decorations, the centerpiece has been my focal point for years and I tend to decorate the rest of the house based on whatever theme my table ends up with. 

This year I went with a little country / rustic scene filled with earthy tones, moss, pinecones, mercury glass votives and an adorably shabby-chic lantern. All very "Nashville" inspired. I'm totally in love. 

What's even better? I filled my table up with holiday cheer for under $50!

The candle votives ranged in price from $3-$7 and my Threshold Traditional Lantern was under $20. Score!

Mercury Glassware via Target

You can find these beautiful mercury glass votives along with a whole line of mercury glass inspired dinnerware, decor and glassware at Target this season - and honestly, It's a great investment. I've seen so many adorable set ups on Pinterest incorporating mercury glass this year - and not only can you use it for Thanksgiving, but right into Christmas and way on into the New Year. Hard to believe 2013 is almost over, huh?

This is definitely #MyKindOfHoliday - Thanks Target!

HIT THE STREETS: NASHVILLE STREET STYLE / BOYS

NASHVILLE STREET STYLE / BOYS

Belmont. One of my favorites places to people watch. While people watching, you can grab a coffee at BONGO JAVA, do a lot of damage to your bank account at LOCAL HONEY and once you've worked up an appetite - visit my favorite sushi / asian inspired spot, PM. 

But hey, ladies. Belmont also has another upside: stylish boys. 

4 FALL-FAVORITE PARTY READY RECIPES

Happy Autumn! Let's celebrate with a few of my favorite fall treats.

CARDAMOM SPICED FIG AND PLUM GALETTE

+

VANILLA PEAR VODKA COCKTAIL

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD ICE CREAM SANDWICHES 

+

PEACH CARAMELS

I THOUGHT YOU WERE COOL

River Island dress, $19 / LaGarconneNomia shirt $100 / Jeffrey Campbell sandals $130 / 3.1 Phillip Lim nude clutch $295 / Topshop black boater hat $50 / Kamali Kulture sunglasses $98 / Essie formaldehyde free nail polish $8 / Stila Hydrating Primer SPF 30 $34 /

EAST NASHVILLE TOMATO ART PHOTO-FEST

Hi. Remember me?

I won't bore you with a thousand word blog post on all that I've been doing and why my blog has so sadly taken a back seat - instead I'll throw some East Nashville Tomato Art Fest photos at you and hope you will forgive me.

Thanks for being awesome and keeping up with me even though I've been a naughty blogger. Much love.

BAM.