ebb and flow

Hello everyone! 

First, a huge thank you for subscribing to my blog!! I wanted this to be a space to really explore the things I love and share it freely so others could feel the love. 

Now, I know you signed up for a veritable smorgasbord of interior delights, original Art and Nola pics...and...well...crickets. *chirp* Truth be told, I needed a break. Don't you? 

We are 78 days out from Christmas y'all. 

Working as a designer during the 3 month holiday season is pure joy, allowing me to express myself creatively in so many ways!! But, and this is a big BUT, it is a test in decorating stamina. From pumpkins to gourds to ornaments, it's Paul in stealth mode. 

This year, I am allowing the ebb, before the flow. How exactly am I doing this?? Well, allow me to share: 

go outside

Literally. I made a commitment to myself to take my dog, sweet Q, to the park at least once a week. It is his favorite thing in the whole world and it gets me moving and breathing fresh air. Q prefers Audubon park, but this TREE OF LIFE can be found just outside the zoo.  I use that time to fill up on feelings of gratitude. Sometimes, I even pretend we are on safari. 

focus on food 

It's true what they say, "you are what you eat." Well, that means your emotions too! Think about it, if your're eating healthy, you FEEL better. Have a relationship with your food. What is it doing for you? Are you eating your cravings or fueling your passion? "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food" - Hyppocrates

treat yourself

OK, clothes shopping has never been my forte. Finding your "new" pant size. Making laps for the best fit. Buying in bulk to avoid multiple trips. Alas, style is DESIGN and a fun way to self express. My point, retail therapy is a real thing. Dress yourself for success and marvel in your own skill to look FABULOUS! Photo, courtesy of mom's Polaroid box.  

Stay tuned for ALL THE FLOW! Be inspired. Paul, signing out......

fall in

Far from the pumpkin patches and cider filled days of my youth in Kentucky, fall in Nawlin's has a subtle distinction; a drop in humidity. 

Short of eating caramel popcorn on the steps of my local Fresh Market, surrounding by hay bails and artisanal guards, I've adopted some Autumnal rituals to plug into the season. 

““The saying ‘gratitude turns what you have into enough’ rings true. The trick is practicing a kind of thankfulness that isn’t based on time or place or circumstance. Even in the trails of life, if we have eyes to see them, we can find good things everywhere we look.” -Joanna Gaines ”

— My thoughts on gratitude, Magnolia Market

Gratitude

The journey from your head to your heart can be a long one, but practicing gratitude will expand the love you give and feel. Start by listing 3 things you are grateful for everyday. Keep a journal by your bed, or share a post on social media. Create ripples!

Check out My Thoughts on Gratitude by Joanna Gaines

gratitude list

1. In the face of tragedy, the many MORE faces of those helping. Click: Check out Nola's letter to Houston

2. Vintage finds and the sense of purpose in REPURPOSING!

3. The way you FEEL when you GIVE a really, really good GIFT.

4. Creativity, in endless supply.

5. READERS, folks that care about community and building it!

Explore

September weekends call for fleamarket finds! Take a dive into the unexpected whimsy right on 1209 Decatur street. From original artwork to Mardi Gras Indian costumes, this place is chock full of finds to repurpose and curate! 

Check out Secondline Nola

bake

There is nothing like the aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin wafting from the oven to get you in the mood for Fall. I am sharing a mom favorite. She pulled this one out for every family, school and community function. 

Check out @jupiters_keepr for more baking inspiration

Frosted Pumpkin Bars

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup salad oil
4 eggs – beaten
1 cup cooked pumpkin
1 cup chopped pecans

Combine flour, spice, and salt. 
In separate bowl mix sugar, oil, eggs and pumpkin
Stir flour mixture into pumpkin mixture
Beat well
Add pecans
Pour into well-greased cake pan
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

Frosting: 
8 oz cream cheese
1 pound powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
 

decorate

Decor is my fondest touchstone of the season. From the hand crafted corn husk dollies of my childhood to the pierced copper pumpkins votives that line my table, I love to imbue my space with the symbols of the approaching holiday! 

top three design tricks

Pay attention to Scale 

Budget should never limit good design. Scale is the most important factor in a composing a space. The right size lamp on your end table, an impactful piece of art, or a bold print can make or break your design. 

Shop this look!

Curate color 

Color can say it all! If you really want color to tell your story, the rest of your room needs to be quiet. Give color a voice and let it be the center of attention. 

Check out this instagram!

Collect, then decorate 

Clients often ask what is "on trend" in order to avoid a a purchase that may quickly go out of style. My answer, collect things you love! Our lives are eclectic and design should honor that journey while making us smile. Design can start with one piece! 

Check out my design process!