What makes you happy?

I am super excited to start a new feature on my blog - What makes you happy? I have already had a great response from friends and fellow bloggers and I cannot wait for my first "What makes you happy?" next week BUT until then I wanted to share what makes me happy. Without sounding too cheesy or cliche I really believe in identifying what makes us happy and trying to do more of that thing. 

What makes me happy : 
(1) Beach side reading - I have recently gotten a kindle and it is so convenient but I must admit I do miss turning the pages of a book. 
(2) Domino, The Book of Decorating - This is my design bible and the best interior design resource I know plus its packed with lots of eye candy! 
(3)My babies - Skippy and Alvin 
(4) Any type of Starbucks coffee but if I'm going to be fussy - Grande decaf non fat no whip white mocha :)
(5)Fresh flowers - especially tulips 
(6)Cupcakes - preferably cutesy ones like these 
(7) "The Help" - both the movie and the book 
(8) Children smiling - there is nothing better than seeing a child smile or hearing them laugh. I fell in love with these kids in South Africa a few years ago and just looking at this photo makes me happy. 
(9) Mani's and Pedi's - My fave colour is Bubble Bath by OPI 
(10) "I love my life" by Demarco - such a feel good song and I can't help but sing along and smile when I hear it. 


*For more about my "What makes you happy?" feature view here or if you are interested in being featured email me at lovedesigninc@yahoo.com*   

Living Room Love

The living room or family room tends to be one of the most used rooms in the house and serves many purposes whether it is socializing with friends and family, relaxing and reading a book or watching television. In my house it also doubles as a study, dining room and craft room at times and while it is functional it definitely isn't as fabulous as the rooms below.

Image via Rue

Blog Loving

There are so many incredible blogs out there and so many I am yet to discover. I especially love when other blogs that I follow feature reading lists or do specific posts (such as this one) highlighting their personal favourite blogs. Below are some of my new favourite blogs as well as a few tried and true favourites and now that the blogging phenomenon has reached Barbados a few from there also! To find out about more Bajan Bloggers see this post by my friend Malou over at Skip to Malou*

Print by MadebyGirl

What do you want to see more of?

In an attempt to make my blog better for all of my incredible followers, I want to know what YOU want to see more of? Interior design will continue to be my main focus as it is my first love but I am trying to diversify a bit and want to know what you want. Is it fashion, food, travel or something else? Let me know! Lots of Love***

P.S If you're reading this and don't already follow Love Design* with google friend connect, please show this geek some online love and follow. 

Bed and Bath

FACT: "However bad things are outside, If you can have a delicious bath and climb into a crisp, pretty bed, everything feels better" 

Image via The Decorista

Coastal Living

I spend a ridiculous amount of time on the internet everyday browsing blogs and websites searching for inspiration for my blog and for work and though I agree that the internet is an amazing tool I still prefer picking up a magazine and flicking through the pages, book marking them and ripping them out for my memo board as I go along. One of my favourite magazines is Coastal Living and I usually end up bookmarking every other page because I love almost everything I see! While I have many different tastes when it comes to design coastal style and coastal living is high on my list. Below are a few of my favourite rooms featured on the pages of Coastal Living.

Party Planning

I know it's a bit early but I am planning a big birthday party and being that my favourite colour combo is black and gold I used this for inspiration when searching for decor ideas for the party. Below are some ideas that I have come up with. Lots of glitz, champagne and glamour make for a successful party! 

What makes you happy?

I'm working on a new blog feature and want your input! I'm taking inspiration from Domino magazine (see below) and starting a feature on what makes you happy? Whether it is the beach, your pet, lollipops - anything really. I want to know what makes YOU happy? Reply below or email me at lovedesigninc@yahoo.com. Lots of love***

Comfortable and Contemporary Dining Nook

I cant get enough of this dining room / dining nook! I love the combination of upholstered banquet seating on on side of the table and traditional seating on the other. It's a fresh and comfortable take on the more expected dining table seating options, it can also be seen here. I love the colour scheme and the mix of dark and light furniture and fabrics as well as the light and airy feel of the space. This dining area exemplifies the idea that comfortable can also be chic.

Image

Follow*

I am constantly overwhelmed by the stats of how many people read my blog daily however in the event that I ever decide to advertise on my blog my number of "followers" is super duper low and I need your help to increase that. Becoming a "follower" does not mean you get annoying emails everyday it just means blogging nerds like myself have proof of you amazing people that take time to read my blog! My very talented friend Malou outlined in her blog - Skip to Malou* an EASY step by step way of doing this which I have shared below. Don't forget to check out her blog also! Thanks in advance and lots of love***

Bucket List

One of the blogs I follow on Tumblr is Perfect Bucket List which has every imaginable thing you can think of putting on your bucket list and if it doesn't you can request something from your list to be added. Below are a few of the items on my bucket list and some I have already crossed off. What is on your bucket list? I want to know! 

Still to do 

I spent a day at a nursery school in South Africa and it was easily one of the best days of my life. I cannot imagine anything more rewarding that volunteering at an orphanage or school one day.

Pinterest Picks

I have to admit I was a little shocked to discover the other day that not everyone knew about Pinterest. If there is one place I get can lost for what seems like hours and then have masses of inspiration and beautiful images to show for it is Pinterest. There are so many categories to choose from but my favourites are... 

Home Decor 

New Years Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone! I know I have been one of the most inconsistent bloggers recently but I promise that is high on my priority list for the new year. Below is a list of my New Years Resolutions and I want to know what are yours? 

Resolution #1 - Get back to work 

I haven't been well for too long now and I am ready to get back to work.

I'm sure I would be even more motivated to get in the office if it looked

 anything like this one!