Dickson Dream Home: Chic Green Breakfast Nook

My favorite color in the world is green. There are shades and tones of green to compliment almost any mood. It is often fresh, bright, and lively. 

I have always dreamed of having a little breakfast nook. A sweet little corner of my home with bright windows where I can sit and meditate at the beginning of each day. I think green is the perfect color to refresh before a busy day. 

With bold black and white accents, there is an added element of sophistication and beautiful contrast.

I love how bright and energizing this feels. 

{via}

I was initially inspired by this dress by Shabby Apple. Bold black and white stripes are classic, but still modern. Paired with green, they make a beautiful compliment.

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I LOVE these black and white striped curtains. Click the link to see the easy-peasy tutorial. This is where I would love to bring the black and white into a breakfast nook. They are so bold, you can leave the rest of the space light and airy.

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It would be fun to do a stripe or chevron pattern on these refurbished old chairs as well.

I think toile patterns are whimsical and charming. However, a whole room like this can start to look over-formal. I think one accent wall of this green toile, with the black and white stripe, bright white cafe table, and it would be perfect.

Something like this.

{ps: how fun is that spoon chandelier from anthropologie?}

Bon Apetit!

*amber*

Whoo? The costume dilema: to be or not to be?

I enjoy costuming almost as much as I love throwing parties. That's why I'm surprised I haven't already put together a costume for the Harry Potter premier. As you see in my previous post, I went all out for the last one. But so far, I have done nothing for the new one.

Last week, I started thinking about costumes. I've already done my favorite character Luna, so the only thing I could come up with was Bellatrix. I have really curly hair, so I figured I could just let it go crazy as Bella. The more I thought about it, I decided I didn't want to be one of the evil characters for this one. But who else could I be?

Then it hit me. One of my very favorite, lesser significant, hp characters. So I looked online to figure out how to pull it off. I found my inspiration.

HEDWIG!

{i LOVE the creativity of this owl dress. stunning. i wish i could recreate it} 

 {this one is so fun and flapper-esque}

{i could do something fun with a mask or lots of white feathers?} 

{love the makeup and scallops on the dress} 

{adorable} 

{interesting owl jumper made of denim} 

{how cute is she?? the dress is too cute}

I know Hedwig died in the last movie (SPOILER ALERT) but I think I could still do it, right?

*amber*

HP!

NERD ALERT!

It's coming! Do you have tickets??

Last year we went all out for the midnight premier. We dressed up, and threw a pre-premier party. 

{luna and harry}

{luna lovegood}

{harry potter}

{floating candles in the "great hall"} 

{guests were sorted into houses} 

{and then faced off in some potterific tournaments}

{we had magical treats and butterbeer}

{chocolate frogs and cockroach clusters} 

{acid pops} 

{licorice wands} 

 {pumpkin pasties}

{bertie bott's every flavor beans} 

{cauldron cakes}

{moaning myrtle even showed up to guard the bathroom}

We had a magical night.

This year, we have no plans. We're going to the midnight premier, but other than that, nada.

What are your plans for the final movie? Or am I the only one that nerds out about them?

*amber*

My Dance Crush

Here is some incredible inspiration to start off your weekend.

Are you watching SYTYCD? I LOVE IT. Of course. But it makes me miss dancing so much. 

Melanie Moore is BY FAR my favorite on the show. Vote for her so she wins! She is stunning, and a true artist. Here she is before she was all famous and everything. Still incredible beyond belief. (Watch in full screen.)

Gave me the chills. I could watch her dance all day. Technique: Perfection. Movement: Heavenly.

Melanie was also in my favorite STYTCD piece of the season so far. (I'm guessing it will still be my favorite at the end.) Here it is.

Just so you know the back story, they are both statues who come alive at night, and he wants them to become one statue.

Beautiful. Melanie Moore, I am probably your biggest fan. I'm obsessed. Teach me your ways.

*amber*

Friday Flavorites

Favorite flower of the moment: Poppies.

Favorite color of the moment: Coral.

I can't get enough. Paired with anything turquoise or white... YUM! Makes me think of Summer and popsicles.

Happy Weekend!

*amber*

Little Sweeties

This is my favorite photo from our recent trip to Seattle. More photos to come soon. 

These are my beautiful nieces and handsome new little nephew on his blessing day. Or as my friend Averyl would call them, my noslings. 

Below are some of my favorite moments from the trip with these funny little people.

* * *

After the blessing, Seth went into the girls' room to play with them. 

Niece #1: "Ok, we'll play house and make pretend cookies. I'll be the mommy. You're the daddy. And Niece #2 will be the sweetie."

Enter Amber.

Amber: "Can I play?"

Niece #1: "Yes, you can be the big sweetie, and Niece #2 can be the little sweetie."

Niece #2: "No! I'm the big sweetie. I'm big! I'm just a little big!"

Seth afterword: "So... what is a sweetie?"

* * *

Niece #2 walks into the room crying.

Niece #2: "NIECE #1 HIT ME!"

Niece #1 runs in: "I'm sorry Niece #2... Like, whatever!"

* * *

At the Seattle Science Center, Niece #2 is so excited to go into the Butterfly House, a big room full of butterflies flying around. She is determined to find a "pink birdirfly."

Once inside, she decides she's terrified of butterflies, and keeps saying, "I want to go out!"

After we get out, Niece #2 to grandma: "I'm allergic to birdiflies."

* * *

In the play area at the Seattle Science Center.

Niece #1 running up to the playhouse: "Let's play pretend and you need to rescue me from the tower! But not yet... Ok now!"

Seth: "Ok, let down your hair!"

Niece #1: "But my hair isn't long!"

Niece #1: "Ok, now knock on the door."

Seth knocks.

Niece #1: "Go away! I'm not gonna let you in!"

Seth: "But I'm so hungry."

Niece #1: "You can't have anything!"

Seth: "But I'm STARVING!"

Niece #1: "I don't have any food for you. I'm gonna leave in my helicopter!"

* * *

I miss these silly kids. I can't wait til our next trip up there.

*amber*

Sprightly Sweet

This little lovely is on sale at Anthro right now. Only $60. Which, as we all know, is a steal for Anthropologie. Such a sweet little Summer frock. 

(And it has sleeves! Cue hallelujah chorus.)

Someone please buy this so I can admire it? I would, but I've spent all of my clothing allowance for the month :(

If you purchase or own this little beauty, please send me a picture. Or walk by me on the street so I can drool over how fantastic you look. I'm fully serious.

*amber*

The only thing I hate about traveling

Unpacking.

Maybe if my suitcase looked more like this, it would be more fun.

*amber*

Happy Birthday to an Incredible Man

My daddy.

Today would be his 50th birthday. 

 {flowers I arranged for his grave}

I love and miss you. Still can't make it through father-daughter dances at weddings. Still have a hard time on holidays. Still think about you all the time.

But I am glad to know that you are in a safe place, and you are happy. Happy to know I will be there with you someday. I love you dad. Happy Birthday.

*amber*

There is a Castle on a Cloud

Now that the celebrations and travels of the Fourth are over, it's time to start fantasizing about your next getaway.

Why not make it in a castle?

You heard me correctly. You could be whisked away to you very own fortress for what would no doubt be a breathtaking vacation. 

My top picks are this charming rustic palace, nestled into the hills of Tuscany, and this quaint ancient meets modern chateau on a quiet back street in France.

See 7 amazing castles you can stay in (for a price of course) here!

Happy fantasies!

*amber*