If you haven't already made it to the NEW blog website...please visit Hello Creative Blog for new posts!

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Today is the day! Sweet & Simple Life Blog is officially Hello Creative Blog. 

If you saw my post Friday (here), it explains the why's. In a nutshell, I wanted to be more unique in the blog name. Something a little more catchy, and something that describes me a little better.

So, without further delay, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Hello Creative Blog!

Hope you like it! There are subtle changes in the design, but it's still pretty much the same concept.

Note: I will be redirecting this page to the new blog web address, and am working to transfer all of my current followers...so if you follow along in one way or another you shouldn't need to do anything. Fingers crossed. :)

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Some people approach change with anxiety...some crave change. I'm somewhere in the middle. I like a little now and then. A fresh start. A little something different. Big changes kind of scare me and I tend to shy away. 

Well, there are some changes comin'. To the blog.

I know, it seems kind of soon, right? I haven't been blogging that long. Why change now? I guess because it's better to do it sooner than later! So, what changes? 

I'm changing the name. Of course, changing the name means changing the web address and everything else involved with that (which luckily isn't a TON of stuff). At first I thought it would be some huge mess, but once I looked into it, it's not so bad. You guys will just have to hang in there a little bit.

Why change the name? Well, I don't really want to, but if you search "Sweet and Simple Life"...there are several results out there. I really liked this name. It was a good name. Apparently a lot of other bloggers felt the same! I wanted to do something a little different. Here's a tip: search the blog name you come up with before jumping in! 

What will this mean to you? Hopefully nothing, really. More on that to come though. 

When will the change take place? I'm not totally sure yet. I'm still working on some things. Freshening up the design, making sure everything works. 

Stay tuned...

Have a good weekend!

I had every intention of sharing some photographs from our summer vacation very soon after we got back, buuuut I never got around to it! So, a month later, here we are!

We went to South Carolina, which has kind of become our vacation spot of choice. What I enjoy most is that now we're familiar enough with the islands and Charleston that we can relax. You know the first time you go somewhere you're constantly trying to figure it out and navigate? Wondering where to eat, what to do, what you want to see (other than sunshine and sand)...sometimes it's stressful. Then you leave and talk to someone else that's been there and they tell you all the things you should have done that you didn't know to do.

Well, we're past that. We don't feel stressed to do certain things (other than one...go get a piece of cake at Kaminsky's). It's a relaxing vacation.

Shem Creek is one of my favorite places to go eat - there are all sorts of things going on, and that means a lot of observing on my part. I'm a big people watcher. These poor people probably thought I was making fun of their kayaking skills...

This picture...have the same version from last year. It's still pretty every time!

This year I had a goal to get a sunset picture of the Ravenel Bridge. You see, last year I took my camera, but no tripod. I told myself next time don't forget the tripod. So this year I made sure that the tripod was sitting next to the door ready to go (plus I wrote a note to remind me just in case I didn't see it sitting there). Success. Side note: sunsets are hard for me to capture. I want to play with settings some more...if anyone has tips please share!!!

This was also the first year that our doggie went with us. We usually have someone watch her, but since the whole fam went, we took the family pets. Our little Bailee doesn't travel well, so she was well mediated for the trip, but once we got there she did fine (other than the barking at strangers and other dogs that walked by "her" house). It was fun seeing her play in the ocean and jump the little "islands" at low tide.

Another one just because it's cute. Her ears were blowin' in the wind!

There's nothing really special about this picture. It's just a sail boat we passed in the intracoastal waterway. I was taking pictures of everything we passed...so why not? It was the first time we took our boat so it was like seeing the island from a whole new perspective. 

I have a few hundred more pictures, but these give a good summary of the trip and what we saw. Oh, I did forget...

Wind surfers. There were probably 100 that afternoon all along the beach. It was so cool!

And the pretty beach on a sunny morning! I'll leave you with that. :)

Are you taking any trips this summer? Do you go somewhere different each time or back to the same place?

Time is going by way too fast. I can't believe it's already Memorial Day!! This has become one of my favorite holidays - it's like the kick off to summer with grilled burgers, hot dogs, BBQ, blueberry pie, and behind it all is great meaning. 

If you're planning a backyard Memorial Day party, here are some entertaining ideas!

Patriotic Tin Cans to store food, straws, utensils, anything!

Decorate your porch railing, or the edge of a table! This is such a cute (and easy) idea.

I could go for one of these right about now! Great way to cool off in the summer heat.

I love striped straws! The vintage glasses are the perfect touch.

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Do you have any go-to entertaining ideas or recipes?

It's summertime...which means it's also time for our annual beach trip to the Carolina's. I get pretty excited for the beach. I can breathe better, I get a tan, the flowers smell better there (it's true), the food is better, you don't get funny looks for wearing no shoes (remember this story?), the views are endless, even though it's hot there's always an amazing breeze...this list could keep going, but I'll stop. You get the idea. I like the beach. In true planner style, I usually make myself a packing list before I go on a trip. Here are some of the items on this year's list...

1. I love a sun hat. Perfect for extra afternoon coverage!

2. Having a beach bag that resists sand and water is a must.

3. I pretty much can't go outside for extended periods of time without sunglasses.

4. Gotta have a cute cover-up!

5. This monogrammed tumbler is perfect to hold the drink of choice...I need to stay hydrated.

6. For the beach I love these flip flops. I don't have to worry about them getting wet.

7. I like to stash some facial wipes in my beach bag. I usually wipe away the sweat mid-day.

8. My lips get so chapped in the sun/wind - a lip balm is key. I'd like to try this one!

9. Sweat and oil can cause some major skin issues. This sunscreen is light and won't clog pores.

10. I can't get enough of the classic Hawaiian Tropic. Love the scent.

11. For an extra tanning boost I love the Maui Babe browning lotion. 

12. My Hayden Reis bag is awesome. It keeps my smaller items dry.
13. Last, but not least, is a big (and cute) beach towel!

Happy beachin'!

Because I am a designer, I love looking at great interiors. I get so many ideas (too many) from Pinterest, Houzz, and various magazines. The thing that is most interesting to me is how each person has their own unique look. No two spaces are the same. Here's a peek into my personal design style inspirations.

These sofas are one of my favorite styles. The low rolled arm makes it a little more "dressed up", but the large cushions keep it comfortable. This room is very calming. The use of a common grey keeps it monochrome, but they added a few little hints of blue that compliment very well. Not to mention those gorgeous doors!

This is a great way to visually divide a space using furniture. I also love the beams with the light and dark contrast. The ceilings are already pretty high, but by keeping the walls light they blend into the ceiling so it feels even more seamless. By using a few darker pieces of furniture it grounds the room.

I'm not usually an all white person, or an antler person, but this room is pretty cool. The main reason I picked this space is because of that incredibly amazing chunk of tree sitting in the middle of the room, aka the coffee table. I've liked pieces like this since I was in design school (pretty sure I used something very similar in a project) and have wanted one ever since. None of the trees around our home are "cool" enough - meaning they don't have that gnarly shape. Notice that the walls and ceiling are covered in the same wood plank? They chose to apply a white-wash to the wall portion, which gives it a light and airy look. I like this because it can go beachy or cabiny (technical design terms).

I love a good open concept space. This Beach Style Living Room by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Margaret Donaldson Interiors is the perfect beach home. These floors are amazing! Classic design, classic lines, and classic colors that will never go out of style. There's also a fun play with pattern used in the pillows and side chairs. It's a little more formal than my taste usually goes, but I could live here, no doubt. :)

There's this thing I do. I get an idea in my mind, and I struggle to let it go. I obsess over it and I think about every. single. detail. Then I obsess over it all over again thinking about every single detail again, in a different scenario, just in case the first idea wasn't good enough. Sometimes I dream about it (that's when I know the idea is really good). I personally think it's the curse that comes with a creative brain. Or it could be a side effect from being an only child; I had a lot of time to think. But, it's also fun to plan, design, and construct in my head then apply it in real life.

Although, not all of my thoughts are actually applied in real life. If they were, we'd be re-designing our home every year, different scheme, different layout, construction would be taking place all the time, I'd have a 60 acre garden separate from my immaculate yards and flower beds. I re-design our landscaping every summer - in my mind - and want to try something new every year, but don't worry, I don't actually do it. It's just stays in the "idea vault" for "some other time" that may or may not come.

Lately my mind has been on a garden (imagine that!) that I could "install" in my back yard or side of the house. I don't want something permanent because I may not always want it in that location. Also, I don't want to truly dig out a garden in the back yard. We have hard red clay that is a nightmare.

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These are some of my favorite inspiration images. I REALLY like the raised garden made with troughs. I could see inserting individual pots inside the troughs for spreading herbs or veggies. It would be easy to move since it's just a trough and nothing built or settled into the ground. Perfect. I just need a good trough and a few pots, and some seeds, and a good sunny spot in the yard. Which I do have...

On another note, there have been some pretty severe storms pass through the country these past few days. I truly hope that everyone is safe and that no one had major damage, but if you did, you're in my prayers.

These little lanterns have been one of my favorite DIY projects. I had been looking for about a year for something to decorate the top of my buffet. I used to have an older vase with a left over mirror from my apartment days. It was just okay. Nothing to write home about. It wasn't the right scale for the furniture or the room.

I saw these lanterns at my local Carolina Pottery and couldn't resist. I liked the style, and thought they'd be just the right size. I bought three, but only used two here (the third has a spot on an end table in another room). They needed a little "pizzazz" so I used some rock that I had on hand and bought some spanish moss for vase filler. 

First, I gathered the items for the small lantern. Just about a handful of moss, a small battery powered candle (mine are the 2.25" x 4" from Pottery Barn), and the little lantern.

Next I placed the moss in the lantern and created a little "well" in the middle. This gives a good spot for the candle and helps it to stay level in the moss.

Pull up any moss that got pushed down too far and make sure it covers the base of the candle.

Now for the larger lantern...notice an odd craft supply? Yes, that is a toilet paper roll. I just cut a little bit off the end to make it the right height for the amount of rock I had. This will serve as a base for the candle so it will be a more proportionate height for the lantern.

Place the toilet paper roll in first, right in the center of the lantern.

Fill the lantern with rock until it's even with the top of the toilet paper roll. Now set the candle on top. There should be a handful of rock left over.

Once the candle is in place, put the left over rock around the candle to hide the base (and the toilet paper roll).

Place them wherever you like! The lamp was in our "collection" and just needed a new lamp shade. Now it's the perfect little grouping of objects.

And there you have it! Two easy DIY lanterns. If moss or rock isn't your style, just pick something that suites your home. Follow these same steps and you'll have your own custom lanterns.

{Linking up with Liz Marie / Best of the Nest / Delineate Your Dwelling / Your Homebased Mom}

Having fresh flowers on display in the home provides such a personal touch, and if you actually arrange them yourself, even better! I don't live close to a flower shop (I'd love to walk down the street and see a little flower stand like this one), but I do live close to a grocery store that sells flowers. Kind of the same thing, right? Not really, but it's the best I have. 

Usually when I buy a bundle of flowers from the store they look a little sad, but today I'll show you how to turn that into what looks like a professional floral arrangement. It's easier than you might think!

First, gather some supplies. I used kitchen scissors (but anything would work), and I wanted a smaller vase for the arrangement. Unwrap the flowers and loosen the arrangement.

Begin cutting the stems so they will fit the size of your vase. Because I used a smaller vase, I left about a 3-4 inch stem.

Separate the types of flowers. I like to organize them to know what I have to work with (plus, I just like organizing in general - to each his own). In this case, I had one large lily and some smaller flowers that were perfect for fluff.

Place the largest flower in the vase first. I wanted the lily to be in the center knowing that it would spread out over the smaller flowers as it bloomed.

Start adding the medium sized flower around the centerpiece. It doesn't have to be perfect. We'll tweak it a little more later for the finishing touch.

Now add in the smallest flower. It looks best when they're mixed in randomly. You're really trying to fill any gaps in the arrangement and because this was a brighter color than the rest of the flowers, it added just the right pop.

Once all the flowers are placed into the vase, it'll probably take some minor fluffing. By that I mean that some flowers may need to be pulled up and others may need to be pushed down into the vase further. I just played with it until it looked balanced. I wanted some of the flowers to be hanging over the side of the vase slightly. Once you're satisfied, you're done! Add some water to the vase and place it in a sunny spot to enjoy.

{Linking up with Liz Marie Blog / Delineate Your Dwelling / Your Homebased Mom / The Crafted Sparrow}

I was so excited (and honored, and surprised) to learn that Marci from If These Walls Could Speak nominated me for the Liebster Award, which is an award given to promote newer or up-and-coming blogs! I wish I knew where it started so I could give a little more background information, but after much searching I still can't find the official starting point of the award. If anyone knows, please comment below!

{Rules}

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the questions of the person who nominated you.

3. Create 11 new questions.

4. Nominate 11 new bloggers, and be sure to tell them about it. (I had trouble finding an official number of followers a blog is supposed to have to be nominated...some things say under 200, some say under 1,000.)

So...here it goes!

{11 Facts About Me}

1. I have a degree in Interior Design.

2. Originally, I am from the Sunshine State of Florida. It's very humid there, and HOT.

3. I love flip flops (probably because of #2).

3. When I was little I used to sing in front of the mirror and pretend I was on a big stage.

4. I'm extremely afraid of speaking/singing/anything in public or on a stage (ironic?). 

5. I used to take violin lessons. 

6. Fall my favorite season, for many reasons, but mostly because of college football.

7. Zumba is the one and only workout that I have ever stuck with for longer than a month, and  I actually enjoy it. It's a miracle.

8. I worked for a summer (or two) in residential construction during college.

9. Scarves are my favorite accessory.

10. My husband and I have a little miniature schnauzer. She doesn't realize that she's a dog. :)

11. My husband and I dated for 4 months before we got engaged. Truth.

{11 Questions from Marci}

1. Why did you start blogging? 

I've been following blogs for a few years, and I have seen so many talented women share their lives. It's inspiring, really. Through these other bloggers I discovered that I have many different interests. Because I have a creative brain (which means I'm terrible at math) I wanted to create an outlet for these other interests of mine. Plus, it was a perfect opportunity to sharpen my photography skills! 

2. What is your biggest phobia? 

Well, you could see my #4 fact, but I'm also afraid of heights. Climbing a ladder higher than about 6 feet? Forget it!

3. What is your top item on Pinterest that you really actually want to try? 

I think it would be this skirt. I'd like to learn how to sew better; primarily because it's hard for me to find clothes that fit just right.

4. What is your favorite thing to do in your city? 

Go to the lake. For sure!

5. What is the #1 blog you would recommend someone to follow? 

Wow, that's such a hard choice! There are several amazing blogs out there. The one that I first started following was The Small Things Blog, and it's still a favorite. I also love Liz Marie Blog because she's so talented with DIY! They both seem like great people too...I feel like we're friends and I don't even know them!

6. If you have to dress/get ready and leave in a hurry what is the one thing you can easily cut out of your routine? 

Ironing. Who am I kidding? I rarely iron as it is!

7. What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? 

To accept the Lord as my Savior. 

8. What would constitute a perfect day for you? 

Sleeping in late after staying up into the wee hours working on a project - drawing, editing pictures, painting, blogging, etc., eating a late breakfast, renting a few movies, and being lazy all afternoon. Oh wait, that was college! Ha! Everyone needs a day like that once in a while. 

9. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

Good question! It would probably be the ability to let things go. I over-analyze everything.

10. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

My computer. It has pretty much all of my pictures stored on it. It's become my photo album.

11. Are you currently watching a season of something on Netflix? What is it? If not - what is your top favorite TV show?

I don't do the Netflix thing, but my husband and I record several shows on our DVR. I'm not sure if I can come up with one favorite, but I'd have to say Parenthood is a top choice because it just seems so real-life, and it has ups, downs, comedy, and family love. A guilty pleasure is Real Housewives of whatever the city is at the time. Sad, but true, because it's completely mindless drama and it makes me laugh. Shallow, I know.

{My 11 New Questions for the Nominees}

1. How would you describe your blog using 5 words or less?

2. How long have you been blogging?

3. What is your personal style?

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be, and why?

5. Do you have a signature recipe, and if so, what is it? If not, what is the one recipe you want to try and make?

6. What is your favorite season, and why?

7. Coke or Pepsi?

8. What did you want to be when you grew up (or what do you want to be when you grow up)?

9. If you could go back in time, what time period would you choose to explore?

10. What one person (or people) have inspired you in life?

11. Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what is it?

{My 11 Liebster Award Nominees}

If you have already been nominated in the past, I'm sorry. There's nothing in the "rules" that says you can't be nominated more than once though...just go with it!

1. Rebecca @ The Becca Ruth Blog

2. Christina @ Happy or Else

3. Norma @ Paint Me Pink

4. Sarah @ Joyfully Organized

5. Jasmin @ Jasmin Daily

6. Dee @ Routes & Wings Blog

7. Katie @ Sunflour Cottage Creations

8. Sarah @ My Simplistic Ideal

9. Marisa @ A Lovely Living

10. Lindsey @ My Vintage Window

11. Amy @ Love It & List It

That's it! Thanks again to Marci for the nomination! Be sure to visit the blogs listed and leave them some love! 

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. I think it's the 'newness' that it brings. I love watching all of the flowers and trees start to bloom, hearing the birds start chirping again, and the sun shines just a little bit longer! That always means it's time for a DIY project in our house...so it only seemed appropriate to do a tutorial for today's post. 

My husband's aunt called and asked if I would make a wreath for her. She had already purchased and collected several different flowers and a square-shaped vine wreath...which was great because I was able to lay everything out and get right to work! I wanted it to look natural, like the flowers were blooming up the vine. (Get it? For spring?) Check out these step-by-step instructions...

Step 1: Organize all of your materials.

Step 2: Start placing the flowers in the vine. I started with the longest stemmed flower because I knew it would stick out past the others.

Step 3: Add some "filler" flowers to help cover the vine wreath. These dogwood blooms were just the right size.

Step 4: Add in full branches of blooms for more impact.

Step 5: If branches are too long, or too bulky, pull off individual blooms.

Step 6: Arrange the flowers until you're happy with the placement. Sometimes this takes a little trial and error. Now it's time to start attaching everything!

Step 7: Attach loose blooms with hot glue.

Step 8: For longer stems, attach with wire. If they need to be held in place use a drop of hot glue.

Step 9: For the finishing touch, attach a bow with wire or hot glue. I used both in this case.

Step 10: You're done! Hang it on your front door or over your mantel.

The colors in this wreath are perfect for spring and summer, so it can be used for more than just one season. Of course, any color combination would do. The key is to find a variety of sizes and types to make it interesting. It also helps to have a few larger flowers to hide stems and wires of the smaller ones. Also, if you don't want to use a bow, just group 3-4 flowers together and attach them with wires and/or hot glue in it's place.

Now, go get crafty and make your own wreath!

Linking up here, here, and here!