Valentine's Day Craft Ideas

Soccer Mom Style

I don't know about you guys, but it seems like Valentine's Day always sneaks up on me. With the holiday rush between Christmas and the New Year, January tends to fly by and before you know it February is half-way over. I'm making a concerted effort this year to prepare with some DIY Valentines for my family. There is something so much more special about a handmade gift for this holiday. For inspiration, I've pulled together a Pinterest board with some of my favorite V-day craft ideas. Click through below to check it out!

Follow Latoya's board Valentine's Day on Pinterest.

Decor Trend: Modern Chinoiserie

I've always been a fan of Chinoiserie decor, but I'm really loving the way designers are refreshing the style by integrating a modern twist. Pops of color, textured layers, and moody contrasts work together to create luxe vibes. I'm debating whether I want to incorporate this aesthetic in one of my bathrooms, the laundry room, or a more central gathering area. Here are a few of my favorite modern Chinoiserie inspiration images from Pinterest.

Digs Digs

Dreams of Bliss

Modern Declaration

Mark D. Sykes

House Beautiful - Chinoiserie Chic

Pinterest - Source Unknown

Follow Latoya's board Modern Chinoiserie on Pinterest.

Sneak Peek: Domino Quick Fixes

My husband and I loved this cover. It reminded us of our four-month-old Weimaraner puppy, London!

Like many of you, I mourned the loss of Domino magazine three years ago. And, when I caught wind of the revival I lit up with anticipation. This first special issue, Domino Quick Fixes, did not disappoint. Those hoping for a clone of the original Domino, may be a bit surprised to see that outside of the familiar masthead, the design approach is completely new. Even with the new design, the special edition stays true to what made Domino a beloved asset of inspiration -- great interior photography, attainable elegance and DIY tips. Some of my favorite features are highlighted in this post. If your loved Domino or simply love interior design pick this issue up immediately!

It is here! Domino Special Edition

Words cannot express how excited I am about the newest special edition issue of domino magazine. I scooped up the last copy available at my local bookstore yesterday. The features are great and I can't wait to share more with you.

Thanksgiving Leftovers!

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend! To wrap it up I thought I'd share a few snapshots of my Thanksgiving dining tablescape and entryway table vignette. Enjoy!

Design*Sponge at Home Atlanta Book Signing

So, by now many of you have heard about Grace Bonney's new book, Design*Sponge at Home, based on her design blog, Design*Sponge. The book is a great resource that includes sneak peaks into stylish homes, before & afters, DIY projects and floral design tips. If you liked the Domino: The Book of Decorating from a few years back, I think you'll really appreciate Design*Sponge at Home. Grace has been criss-crossing the country on a book tour and a couple of weeks ago she landed here in Atlanta. It was a crazy day for me with work and dinner with a friend, but I was able to swing by my local West Elm just before the event ended. It was great to meet Grace in person (she was really sweet!) and I was happy to make it in time for the Smilebooth!

My Picks: Terrain Woodland Holiday Collection

Holiday season is here! I know, I can't believe it either. This year has flown by. But now is the time to hunker down and start thinking about decorating for {gasp} Christmas. I skipped all over Thanksgiving because when I saw this latest collection from Terrain, I fell in love, and it sent me into holiday overdrive. The nature-inspired Woodland Holiday collection makes me yearn for cabin living – hikes through winter snow and cozy nights by the fireplace sipping warm apple cider and hot cocoa. Ahh yes, a girl can dream.

1. Woodland Acorn Ornament
2. Grass Snow Owl
3. Starlight Tree Topper
4. Decked Bottle Brush Evergreen
5. Woodland Kissing Ball
6. Bittersweet Wreath
7. Bristle Brush Fox Ornament
8. Woodland Hedgehog
9. Bristle Brush Blue Jay

Book Review: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts

I truly believe that I'm one of the few women of my generation who was lucky enough to have my grandmother, mother and aunt pass along the craft of sewing. I have vivid memories of them creating their own outfits for parties and even a coronation gown for me as a child. I also remember how elated I was getting my first sewing kit for Christmas along with Barbie outfit patterns and sitting (on my bed, the couch, the floor -- wherever I could find space and peace) for hours hand stitching clothes and little plastic fasteners. I gleamed with pride as I showcased my finished pieces. Next, I graduated to the plastic kiddie sewing machine, which I never mastered, but never tired of trying. Then, in middle school I fell for floss and the cross-stitch, which led me to embroidery.

So, you can imagine that last year when Martha Stewart announced her new book, Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts,  I could not contain myself. Not only do I have an affinity for sewing, but I also love almost everything Martha touches!

The book is packed with great projects for sewing novices and those who are more advanced. It starts with a thorough introduction of sewing basics, including an overview of tools, materials and fabric. Next, it moves into stitch types and techniques, before providing step by step instructions, templates and patterns for more than 150 projects. Curtains, dolls, pillows -- the list goes on and on.

My first project from the book was...you guessed it. Embroidery! You can see my colorful bird in the first photo above. My next feat? Chair covers for some of my eBay and Country Living Fair finds. I'll post pics when I'm done.

I definitely recommend Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts for all crafters and anyone that wants to discover the joy of sewing. Do any of you own it? If so, what sewing-related projects have you been inspired to complete?

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Epitome Lifestyle!

Design Trend Alert: Houndstooth

If you've picked up a fashion mag lately, undoubtedly you've seen houndstooth fabrics peppered throughout. While this traditional pattern is making its comeback in fashion design, its also rearing its head in interiors, but with unexpected twists. Large scale and in color, houndstooth upholstery, furniture and rugs can be just the thing you need to give you living space a visual pop.

1. Pink Houndstooth Stools, Easy Open Aspen Style, House Beautiful, Photo Credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo
2. Houndstooth Seletti Trip Wardrobe
3. Green Houndstooth Chair, Polka Dots and Rosebuds
4. Gray Houndstooth Rug, Loft with a Lift, Traditional Home
5. Black Houndstooth Barstools, The Kitchn

Country Living, September 2011 Roundup

This month's Country Living focuses on makeovers. There were some very inspirational projects from kitchen makeovers to the overhaul of an entire home. I'm particularly drawn to the beautiful bathroom makeover with penny tiles and the dramatic entryway makeover with the amazing deer patterned wallpaper. Have you read the latest issue of Country Living? What are your favorite makeover ideas from the magazine?

Book List: A Passion for Blue And White

This new tome from designer Carolyn Roehm takes us through images of rooms she has created using classic blue and white. There is something so clean and crisp about this combination. See images from the book below. Click the cover image above for more info.

Liven up your living space with jewel tones

Domino Magazine

Photos by Melanie Acevedo / April 2007

domino: The Book of Decorating

It's Christmas morning at the Cooper-Almond abode. Paper and ribbon strewn everywhere. An air of pleasant surprise fills the room. I'm giddy, in anticipation of the arrival of my favorite (and cheapest) gift...a subscription to domino magazine - The Guide to Living with Style. January passes. With little patience, I can't wait and have to buy the February issue off the newsstand. It's amazing -- all about organization. Wink,wink to friends who have seen my desk situation. My February issue finally arrives in the mail. I read it as if new and tab my favorite items - again. Then I catch wind of HORRIBLE news. The March issue will be its last. Depressing. domino was by far my favorite magazine, it encompassed the things I love most - entertaining and decorating. Although I won't be receiving my years worth of goodness, I do still have access to domino: The Book of Decorating. The online previews make this book an easy sell - even top interior designers have this guide on their must read list.