Stick with the Group

As an organizer, I get to see what most people don't see when they enter the home of someone else. The bins, boxes and closets full of what people have collected over the years. Not all of what gets collected is a actual collection, though. But every once in a while I find someone who has an actual complete collection of something  - vintage glass bottles, blown glass figurines, sports memorabilia, etc. What I tell those clients is to find one place to keep all those things and own it. I recommend not keeping a collection in a box, because then you have to question why you even collected it in first place. Build a case, buy a cabinet, or find a spare shelf to house it all. A collection is not a collection unless together. I have gathered a few photos to inspire you on how to display your own collection so you can think outside the box, literally.

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Beamingly Yours

Rustic Vibes via Country Living

Exposed beams have always been one of my favorite design aspects. Whether aged wood or painted white, I love them all. I have dreams of renovating this little ranch of mine and adding them to a second floor. Until then, I can drool over the gems on the web and across social media.

Statement Windows Add Extra Bang for Your Beam via View from 5'2

Simple Lighting for a Big Statement via Turbulences Deco

Almost Invisible Via Loom & Kiln

Splash of Color in Design Contrasts the White Beams Via Alida and Miller

Pop of Color in the Form of Aged Wood Via Remodelista

Ragged Beams and Simplistic Art Via Architectural Digest

Honey Wood Balances Jewel Toned Blue via My Domaine

Skylight + Beams Via My Domaine

You Won't Want to Leave the Bath via Instagram

Paris Perfection (Above & Below) Via My Domaine

Dreamy Beams that Match Open Shelving Via Style Files

Beams Mixed with Metal Via Remodelista

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Radiating Love

Old homes really are my jam, but not just any old home. One with amazing details - crown molding, crystal door knobs, hardwoods throughout, and every now and again a good old radiator. Now, don't get me wrong, I do not prefer a working radiator over a more modern heating system. However, a home with a radiator (whether woking or not) really does have charm that can not be purchased new. Whether you choose to use it as a vanity, bar, or just a way to add a pop of color, it is a built in design statement without having to buy a single thing. 

All Images via Pinterest 

See @thesoltuiongirl for more

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Design Focus: Leanne Ford Interiors

In rebranding myself (almost done), I have decided to change up what I blog about. I reason with myself that I'm more likely to actually write if I am actually interested in what I am writing about. With that being said, most of what interests me lately is organization with a focus on design.

That means decorative baskets that serve a purpose rather than just looking pretty; utilizing the space under furniture (think stacking books under a console table to maximize space not shoving things under your bed); and bookshelves used to display a collection instead of throwing in knick knacks for decorative filler (I am so over seeing well styled rooms without any personal elements in the mix). Think perfectly imperfect, while still maintaining a specific place for all your things.

When I think about all those things, I think about Leanne Ford. She takes very neutral spaces and layers in objects that make sense as both a design element and from an organizational approach. She inspires me, and that can sometimes be hard to do.

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Stand with Us

When I moved to Nashville a little over 7 years ago, I had no interest in hockey. After all, I came from Arkansas where we have a love for sports that involve a ball - not a puck. However, the past year I really took a liking to it and now that the Predators are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, I'd say that I picked one hell of a time to be a hockey fan. With that being said, games don't provide a lot of options when it comes to looking cute. If I want to show my yellow and blue Preds pride, then I either have to give in and buy sporting apparel or start growing the yellow section of my color coordinated closet. Since neither one of those things is going to happen, you can imagine my excitement when I spotted this sweatshirt while perusing the Free People website. Oversized in the right sort of way plus in our team colors, it was too perfect not to buy. My favorite part is the subtle white floral embroidery, which adds a feminine touch to the masculine cut.

All Imagery Sheldon Magner

Free People Sweatshirt (Extra Small - extremely oversized)

Stuart Weiztman Sneakers (TTS, but old - check eBay & Poshmark for "Cyclist")

Paige Denim (TTS - currently 20% off)

Rayban Sunglasses 

Go Preds!

- Lauren

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Gettin' Juicy

Spring is here and with that comes spring cleaning. And in my case, that cleaning is in the form of a 20 day body detox.  In order to prepare for this detox and give my body a small taste of what was in store for it over a longer period of time, I have been doing juice cleanses over a small number days. Since I felt incredible after each brief period on the cleanse, I decided a detox would be just what my body desired. 

Chances are that when you hear the word “cleanse” and “detox”, you think of the same thing. That is because people tend to use them interchangeably and do them for the same reasons – weight loss, more energy, recharging their bodies.  However, the two are actually quite different. 

A detox is to ease the release of toxins from our fat storage cells in order to enhance our body’s detoxification pathways, and to ensure all toxins (heavy metals, chemicals, environmental residuals, etc.) are eliminated from our body. 

This is a process through which the main organs of the body are supported and encouraged to release both exogenous (initially found outside the body such as alcohol, tobacco, and chemicals found in our foods) and endogenous (produced in the body, such as excess hormones and cholesterol) toxins. Detoxing is done over a longer period of time (usually a minimum of three weeks) in order to bring restoration of the body’s function and bringing about enhanced vitality. It is a change in lifestyle, not just diet. Think herbal supplements, therapeutic sweating, etc. While you will eat on a detox, think raw and fresh.  

A cleanse is generally a lightening of the body’s load for a few days or for a week, most often through limiting or eliminating food and focusing on juicing or consuming only limited raw foods. While you generally won’t be eliminating all toxins throughout your body, you will be able to eliminate the most basic of toxins found in your digestive tract (fecal matter, parasites, fungi, etc.). 

That is why starting with a cleanse is a great way to lead into a detox, especially for those of us that have trouble avoiding all those not so good for you foods.  And no, pineapple on your pizza doesn’t mean you eat healthy. With that being said, here are a few of my favorite juices for those of you that want to lead up to a detox or just want to clean up your system for a few days. Do it for a long as you like and feel free to change things up a bit. All bodies are different, and what juice you drink can be, too. 

You will need access to a juicer for all three receipts. Wash all fruit and vegetables before using. Drink juices immediately, as they lose their nutrients relatively quick. 

HOT SHOT

I start every morning of any cleanse or detox with hot water and lemon, but I also have a “hot shot”. This is a perfect pick me up to get you going first thing in the morning, or for whenever you have food cravings. The amounts below are for a "shot", but if you want more then you just use more lemons and add as much ginger according to your liking. 

(1) Lemon – I slice for ease using the juicer, removing the seeds, but keeping the rind intact. Lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice itself.

Ginger – I add a decent amount, because I like it “hot”, but I recommend starting small. Especially if you aren't accustomed to using ginger. Think of it like salt and pepper - you season to taste.

Pour juice into glass and top with a small amount of cayenne. 

BLOOD CARROT GLOW

The name of this juice sounds like Peter Rabbit find a deadly fate in Mr. McGregor’s garden, but the “blood” is from the orange. The glow is because carrot is such a great source of nutrients that act in an antifungal & antibacterial manner. This is perfect for acne sufferers. 

(2) Blood Oranges – If they are not in season, as this is a late winter treat, go for the regular variety.

(4) Medium Raw Carrots – Go for a bunch with the greens still attached. You will discard the tops, but I’ve found these to be fresher than anything purchased already in plastic. 

Ginger – I like the smallest little bit of ginger added to this juice. It adds a more complex taste. You are more than welcome to leave this out, though.

KALE-AID

Green juice has always kind of grossed me out, because it reminds me of  baby food. Think green beans and English peas in puree form. Gross. Gross. Gross.  However, you find the right green juice that actually tastes good, and I’m all for it. This green juice recipe is my favorite.

(5) Large Kale Leaves (one small handful) 

(1) Large Cucumber

(1) Lemon – Again, I remove the seeds and leave the peel.

(1) Apple – My favorite is Honeycrisp, but you can use whatever you want. I would avoid Granny Smith, because you already are getting enough tartness with the lemon.

(1) Large Rib of Celery

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