Mantel Styling 101

One of the awesome elements I'll have in my new apartment is a mantel with a working gas fireplace! Saying I'm excited for this addition is an understatement! As a natural focal point in the space, I want my mantel to be a statement piece and a reflection of my style and personality. While scanning Pinterest, I've learned there are generally four elements that make up a well-styled mantel.

1. Focal Point - This is normally a large photograph, painting, or mirror. It provides the anchor for the mantel decor. I plan to use the large leafy print pictured below that I picked up at HomeGoods!

2. Weight - On one side of the focal point, you need another vessel or object. This should be smaller than the focal point, but larger than the other pieces. When using a vase, it helps to fill it with faux branches or flowers to add height. I hope to use a large, gold "M," similar to the letter you see below.

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3. Movement/Height - Often found in objects like candlesticks or topiaries, these help to balance your focal point/weight. I'm leaning toward using a series of framed photos or a chinoiserie vase.

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4. Objects/Filler - Smaller objects such as candles, figurines, or books are used to fill the space and complete the triangle. These pieces are likely the most unique, and give you an opportunity to complete the showcase with something that's personal to you.

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This is obviously my first time decorating a mantel, but I'm super excited to experiment with pieces old and new!

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Budbreak 2017

Alex and I recently attended the Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mount Airy, North Carolina. The festival takes place in the middle of downtown Mt. Airy and features numerous local wine, beer, and food vendors. Alex has attended multiple years since his family lives in the area, but as a newbie to Mount Airy traditions, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect!

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We started the afternoon with lunch at the Old North State Winery "ONS", one of the Martin Family's favorite places in town. This local winery founded in 2002 features a downtown deli and tasting room right on Main Street. After indulging ourselves in a delicious lunch, we made our way back onto the street to begin tasting!

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The weather in Mt. Airy that day was a bit chilly, which helped to lessen the crowds at Budbreak. We never waited more than five minutes to try any of the wines. As we moved between vendors, I constantly found myself drawn to sweeter wines, especially those made with muscadine grapes! My personal favorite drink of the day was a frozen peach bellini. It was delicious and even matched my outfit!

Wine festivals like Budbreak are the perfect time to try a lot of different options and feel out what you like and don't like...even if it means having a glass in each hand from time to time!

Spending the day at Budbreak was the perfect transition into wine festival season and summer! I'm also so thankful for the memories I made with Alex and his family that day. We are already looking forward to next year's festival!

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Black & White Patio Decor

I am so excited to soon be moving into a new apartment! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my current apartment, but am finally ready to be a bit more realistic about my priorities, and there's nothing better than a new project! Who am I, right?! The new place will allow me to gain an extra 1/2 bath (PRAISE,) a small patio space, and the ability to save a lot of money each month. These three things equal increased wellness for me and an overall happier bank account!

Currently on the hunt for fabulous (yet affordable) patio decor, you'll often find me scouring websites like Ikea and Pier 1, or visiting stores like HomeGoods and Target on a regular basis. I'm also checking out fun boutique shops during my travels, like the Little Leaf shop in Washington, D.C. Y'all if you haven't been yet, you've got to go!

This place gave me all the feels!

 

I love having patio inspiration at my fingertips, so I've created a Pinterest board to collect ideas. This has been super helpful to group photos and refer back to them while shopping. I took things a step further by requesting the measurements of the new patio, so I'm shopping for items that I truly have space to accommodate. The space is 5'3" from front to back and 8' long, which seems standard for most apartment patios.

I know I want a place to sit and relax in comfortable seating. 

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I want to utilize a patio rug or some type of flooring.

 

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I also want to see greenery either in potted plants or window boxes, and I want cute accent details. In my mind, these are things like lanterns, Edison bulbs, garden stools and candles. 

      

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Stay tuned for the progress so far!

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Longing for Blogging

Over the past few weeks, I've had a strong longing for blogging. I can't pinpoint exactly where it comes from, but I can say that it's the same feeling I had when I started my blog for the very first time in 2011. How in the world it's been six years since then, I have no idea! Anyway, at that time, there were things going on in my life that I thought others might want to know or read about. This brings me to today. In the absolute best way, there are so many things going on in my life! From family, friends, relationships, and career happenings, I couldn't ask for more blessings. There are exciting changes around every corner, and I want those that are interested to be able to read about them through my own words.

So, blogging community (who has read my words and accepted them time and time again,) if you'll have me, I'd love to come back to Sweet Like a Song! I don't know how often or for how long, but I do know there will be some catching up to do, and many new things along the way! You'll hear about trips and great food, adventures with apartment hunting and home decor, talk of my friends and family, and as always, lots and lots of shopping! See, some things never change! :) It may also take a little while to get this page updated, so bear with me.

I look forward to updating you on my life, and I hope you'll do the same for me with yours! Let's see how this thing goes!

...and just for the sake of continuity...

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