Target goes for the Gold

Happy Monday loves! It's almost a new year and I'm closing out 2013 with a flurry of new projects! I'm currently sourcing items for an E-Design client and came across these beauties at Target.com! A few of them aren't necessarily new, but they're still goodies. They made me so happy with the selection that I just had to share.

1.2.3.4.5.

That gold hex drum is definitely going into the virtual cart! Just too good to pass up! Don't you agree?

Am I too old to be a "Stan"?

Please tell me that I'm not, because THIS lady has completely blown me away!

And this video?!?!?!?!?! 

Why, yes ma'am, Beyoncé  I will be your purse handler and pick up your dog poop for free. Anything to breathe the air you breathe.

Too much?

photos via her Tumbler

Dear Santa...

My wish list a bit all over the place this year. It's a few wants, but also, a few necessities. I'm not asking for anything fancy or trendy, just a few things that would make me really really really happy!

1. I've been on the hunt for a pair of over the knee boots and this Rock and Republic pair from Kohl's completely fit the bill. Not to mention that they're on sale!

2. I've been out of perfume for over six months so it is high time that I restock on one of my favorites, Ralph Lauren's Romance. The hubs bought this as a surprise for me a while back and I have love it ever since.

3. Now, I was actually only looking for a pair of leopard pumps but ran across this collection on the Victoria's Secret website, so now I'd appreciate a pair in each color. I mean, a girl can't have too many shoes, can she?

4. I have a pretty nice camera already, but I feel like it's time to graduate and be a part of the "real" bloggers club. This Nikon D3100 has all of the bells and whistles that I need to take my photos and blog to the next level.

5. Speaking of cameras, I'm in love with this vintage camera inspired phone case. Having dropped my phone a couple dozen times, I'd love to snap this on it to hide all of the damage that I've inflicted upon it.

6. After setting the table for our #smallThanksgiving, I was reminded that we don't own a matching set of flatware. Once I moved into my own apartment after college, my mom just gave me all of the odd pieces out of her collection (which look to be from about 4 different sets). It's time to be grown ups and have a matching set of cutlery and this bamboo set is not only super pretty, it's super affordable (so I can get 2 sets!).

So you see, nothing overly fancy. I'm a simple girl with simple wishes. It doesn't take much to please me. (Come on. Who asks for flatware for Christmas???) So, even if I get nothing on this list, I'll still be a happy girl. I already have everything to be thankful for.

So what are you asking Santa for this year? Fancy stuff? I'd love to hear all about it.

Holiday Open House at I.O. Metro

But before you all come running through the door, I thought I'd share just a few of the items that I'm loving.

Come and see it all in person [and take a few home with you ;^)]!

Hamilton Christmas 2013 (Part One?)

Happy Hump Day loves!

Today's my first off day from the new job and although I'm completely in love with being a part of the workforce again, the new schedule is going to be a bit of a challenge to nail down. Now that I'm in the world of retail, I'm away from home from 8:30 am til 7:30 pm. By the time I get home, it's dark out and I'm completely worn out...making taking photos technically impossible and sitting down at the computer to type up a post almost physically impossible. But, I'm not making excuses or complaining at all. I promise it's I am going to get better. Just wanted to let you guys know why it's Wednesday and I'm just now getting a post up.

So, on the point of the post. I GOT MY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS UP!

For the most part, I stuck with my planned black and white scheme, but once things were up, I decided to throw in a little of last year's green and navy blue, and...I love it!

I still have a few details to add, but I wanted to show you guys what I was up to! Once those little details are complete, I'll be back with a few wide shots of our space.

How's holiday decorating going for you guys? Are you done? I'd love to see!

Changes...

Happy Friday loves! We're enjoying some winter weather here today, so I'm tucked into the couch, waiting on the delivery of our Christmas tree and working away that this beauty!

via The Design Confidential

But, on to the "Big News". I've alluded to some major life changes happening around here through a couple Instagram posts over the last couple weeks, and now I'm ready to share!

As a lot of you know, I've been blessed to be at home for over a year now, after being laid off from my last corporate position in August of 2012. During that time, I sourced and sold vintage furniture; designed, built and sold custom furniture and then launched my own design company and worked with some very special clients. Well, all of those things were completely fulfilling and I loved every bit of it, but I have to say that the lack of a steady income, combined with the expenses of trying to run a business and the higher cost of living in Memphis. took a bit of a toll on our family. So, I made the decision to make a change.

I'm, heading back into the workforce as a design consultant for I.O. Metro and I am beyond excited! Have you not seen their latest catalog?

I mean, come on! The blue velvet sofa and that faux bamboo coffee table!!!! No doubt about it, there will be a lot of drooling while on the clock. By the way, would you believe me if I told you that they were my very first design related employer?!? I worked for their Little Rock location back in 2007 while finishing my last semester of college. I loved it then and am sure to love it now.

As far as my blog and business are concerned, not a whole lot is changing. Actually, the only thing that's really changing is that my local area clients get to come and see me at I.O. Metro (1213 Ridgeway Rd) and benefit from our amazing catalog of furniture and accessories.

So that's it! Carmeon has a real full time job now; with a real paycheck! Please stop by on Monday, December 9th, to say "Hi!" to me on my first day! I'd love to see you, and will probably need the support!

Holiday Planning

I know that we're well into December, but I was working so hard at not breaking out all of my Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, that I'm actually behind the curve now. I feel really bad now, especially since my mother-in-law had all of her decorations, including the tree, up before Halloween this year! Can you say eager beaver?

I've managed to get a few small decorations up, but am still waiting on THE TREE to arrive in the mail. I had to order this one from Walmart since they can't keep them stocked in the store. Last year's tree had to be thrown away thanks to a broken base. And now that I think about it, we wouldn't have had room for it any way. The new tree is a little taller and slimmer, which is perfect for our small space requirements.

Last year at this time, we were new transplants to the city of Memphis, so holiday decorations were really important for making our new place feel like a home.

I loved the navy and green scheme with lots of gold thrown in for good measure. It was casual for a young family, yet refined for a more adult feel. This year, however, I'm feeling the need for change. I would like to keep the casual and refined/sophisticated feeling, but hope to change up a few colors and textures. Gold and brass are going to remain key elements (forever!!!) so I'm on the hunt for more color inspiration. I have to say that black is a very strong contender.

I'm in love with how Kristen of Hunted Interior incorporated it in her decor this year!

The gifts are gonna get the black treatment as well.

Loving the green!

What colors are you featuring this season?

photos via my Holiday Planning Pinterest board 

Sorry for the Radio Silence...

Hey guys! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I spent mine in the country with lots of family.  I just wanted to pop in and apologize for not properly being back from holiday. I've been busy getting our home ready for Christmas decorating. Meaning, searching for a tree, rearranging furniture, and checking things off my list like finally getting matching curtains for the living room. I promise to be back before week's end with lots of posts showing you what I'm up to. And if you're as impatient as I am, follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks of the progress.