Chic? Check! Mother Nature approved? Check!

This semester, I'm taking a class called "Thinking Green" which literally has me "thinking green" about many options for the home. One of my favorite things in the green furnishings world is anything made from reclaimed wood. It's similar to when you buy an antique and with it comes this rich history of previous lives. You can just feel it sometimes (or maybe that's just me?). Regardless, the things below are some of my latest findings that I really, really love.

The first picture is of reclaimed European elm wood. The second of is of reclaimed hickory. The third is antique oak in a herringbone pattern and to say the least, I am quite obsessed. If I had a choice, this would definitely be somewhere in my home. It's gorgeous! All three floors are simply beautiful and something to feel good about. (All three flooring options from LVWoodFloors.com)

Also, Etsy artists always have an abundant array of amazing reclaimed wood decor items. Some of my favorites are below!

1. NatureInspiredCrafts Entry Table
2. Jesse Grant
3. True Connection

A new year!

This year has started off a great high! I spent new years at home with all of my family and boyfriend. I enjoyed 20 hours of board games with my mom and sisters when we were snowed in for three days. And I recently got back from my first trip to New Orleans! Let's just say, I absolutely loved it! No, really. I ate so much food I could probably hibernate for a month and be just fine. In between my overindulgent-but-no-regret meals, I got to stroll along Royal and Magazine Streets and saw many awesome antique stores as well as newer stores with fresh designs.

Some of my favorite spots were:

Shaun Smith Interiors on Magazine (www.shaunsmithhome.com)

Karla Katz on Magazine (www.1stdibs.com)

Antiques de Provence on Royal (www.antiquesdeprovencellc.com)

M.S. Rau Antiques on Royal (www.rauantiques.com)

Kiel's Antiques on Royal (www.kielsantiques.com)

Everyone in those shops were so friendly and willing to answer my questions. It was refreshing to be a place where you feel like everyone is happy you popped in to say hello! The lady who owns Antiques de Provence is named Cynthia and she has super cute puppy named Bella. She was very helpful and willing to answer questions. The store is so inspiring and I think I would like to start all of my days with a stroll through it. Also, here is where I found a table I can't stop thinking about!

Yes please!

A few more New Orleans pictures below! I love that city!

Even in winter, colors abounds!

First, I have been extremely neglectful to my blog this past month and for that I am sorry. I promise to get better.

Second, I am one of those who inevitably gets the winter time blues... every winter. It should also be noted I have never spent a winter outside of South Carolina until now. I am now living in the Boston area so not only are the winter blue here, apparently, it's going to be a while. While flipping through some pictures I took over the holiday, I found the one below and just relished in the reminder that winter isn't as bleak and bland as I sometimes may think!