A new addition...

australian vogue living

I came across this picture back in March and immediately fell in love. We were in the process of buying our new home and I dreamed of having an antique mantel filled with firewood just like this in our new place. I'd even envisioned it's spot in the living room. Needless to say, antique mantels are hard to come by in South Florida, let alone finding one with the aesthetic I was after.. I put the mantel in the back on my mind and continued working on other projects around the house for the last few months....

I have mentioned before and I'll say it again, I've got an amazing husband.. He knows me so well..sometimes even better than I know myself.  When he surprised me this weekend with my birthday present I was overcome with happiness and joy.. however, not surprised.. because really, he always knows exactly what I want..

my "new" reclaimed antique mantel

i love all the wood work details

I've played around with things to put on the mantel and I'm sure I'll change them a dozen times in the next month.. however, this is what she looks like for now. After I post this blog I'll go sit in my living room while I stare at my new mantel over a cup of tea.. ahhh.. I'm in love! cheers to my wonderful hubby!  xoxo - jennifer bianca

My glass is half full...

I think one of the simplest pleasures in life is unwinding with a glass of wine..or to cuddle up on the couch, legs crossed while laughing and telling stories over a bottle with a friend. If you're a fan of whites (I'm a Riesling kind of girl)  I've got a great one for you to try.. A very knowledgeable wine enthusiast who lived in France recommended a Vouvray to me and I've been hooked ever since... it has become my go-to wine, one I always recommend.  It's Bougrier Vouvray V: it's from the Loire region of France and retails for $9.99 at Total Wine. It's one of the best wines I've had for the value. It's crisp with notes of apple and melon with a hint of sweetness and off dry finish. I always have a bottle on hand and after you try it, I think you will too! What are some of your favorite wines? - jennifer bianca

magnifique!

Garden stools

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my front entry way: jennifer bianca

my living room.. my garden stool moves occasionally

If there is one decor item that can bump up the design interest in a room, it's a garden stool. They are an easy "no brainer" accent piece to incorporate into a bedroom, foyer, bathroom, living... ANY room. Garden stools are subtly stylish and workable in many spaces. They come in many different colors of ceramic ..of course, I'm partial to white. Another style I really dig are the ones made out of wood.. I think they'd give a great organic element to a room with neutral hues. Since peeking in the design world a couple year ago, they've become readily accessible in many stores. ZGallerie has some of my favorites, along with Horchow, Wisteria, and Inside Avenue; They're even available at Target and Home Goods! So, while you're sitting there contemplating, "I need a table next to that chair.." consider a garden stool as an alternative. happy decorating! xoxo- jennifer bianca

Bathroom Inspiration: Claw foot tubs

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elle decor

My master bathroom needs a serious makeover. It's definitely in livable condition, but certainly not up to snuff. After a recent kitchen overhaul (including all new appliances) my bank account is bruised and needs some time to heal. I'm not the kind of person that needs instant gratification and something to look forward to is always great. While I plan my bathroom remodel in my mind I've found pictures for inspiration.. I'm thinking.. claw foot tub, white subway tile, crystal chandelier, carrera marble, and a general feeling of old world charm commingling with modern amenities..  a glass of wine and a bubble bath await! xoxo jennifer bianca

White Christmas

I've already started hearing holiday music and sleigh bells wherever I go.. Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about decorations. No matter what holiday you celebrate, this time of year is fun, festive, and fills the heart with warmth. Even though I am a native Floridian still residing in sunny South Florida.. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas! If I can't have white snow on the ground outside, I can create a winter wonderland in my home. I've found some great inspiration from these country living photos and I hope you do too! I love all the layering of different shades of white and the textures create dazzling eye candy. Happy holiday decorating! xoxo -jennifer bianca

My dining room..

Don't you just love how a sander and a can of paint can totally transform a piece of furniture? It's a very simple concept and easy enough to achieve; if you put a little time into the project, the possibilities are endless! I was lucky enough to have been given a beautiful dining table and chairs from my father. While I do appreciate a nice piece of dark wood, the color wasn't going to work with my white, white, and more white color scheme. Unfortunately, these are the only decent pictures I could find of the table and chairs before it's makeover..

my daughter enjoying some time under thedining table with holly.

 I ended up painting both table and chairs behr's antique white and distressing them to give a more coastal/cottage vibe them. My husband helped with reupholstering the chairs. I've always had a thing for toile fabric, so I picked a yellow floral print. The china cabinet is my absolute favorite part of my dining room.. I'd been on the hunt for a shabby chic style cabinet for weeks and scored this one for a really reasonable price at a second hand store. Of course, I painted her white and then distressed. I kept the original knobs and pulls because they are so darn pretty I wouldn't dare change them.

before reupholstering chairs

on the hunt for more pottery and teapots to fill 'er up

Right off my dining room I've got a small hallway that was a perfect spot for a small table, lamp, flowers, and my beautiful antique lithograph "southern belle" by Erich Correns.

working on the table for the hallway