Mother’s Day Tablescape & One More Announcement…..

So the big news……. I’m Pregnant!

NOT!

And should you ever hear someone say that  I was, you should seriously question their sanity or their grasp of basic biology and reproduction.

Actually the news is sorta like giving birth but in a creative sense.  A few months ago the kind people at SheKnows.com got this crazy idea that I have a point of view and offered me a monthly column.  Yup folks, I am a columnist now joining the ranks of Dear Abby, Ask Heloise and Jackie Stallone (you didn’t know she had her own astrology column?).

So every month I will be dispensing lifestyle, entertaining and design advice all packaged in the “Courtney Out Loud” way – minus the dirty words and sexual innuendos.  This month I tackled creating a Mother’s Day Tablescape that is young, colorful, bright and full of easy DIY projects along with a few designer secrets…….

I love how the table turned out and think it’s one of the best designs I have done to date.  It’s hip and approachable but still looks like you went broke creating it.  I break everything down from the place settings to the flower arrangements so you can create your own version at home.

Swing by the site and take a look and stay tuned for my June column – it will knock your socks off — metaphorically as I don’t condone violence even if it is to socks….

Have a great weekend and take a little time to enjoy the day!

ps:  Have you entered the Joy and Revelry Pin It To Win It Contest?  Don’t miss your chance to win $500 worth of home decor personally selected by me!

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Joy & Revelry Launch & Contest……

If you noticed a disturbance in the “design force” yesterday, it was because we had a game changer occur……. Joy & Revelry officially opened and debuted the Style Maven Shops.

As a refresher, Joy & Revelry works with social media influencers and bloggers to create their own online retail experiences.  I was lucky enough to be asked to join the inaugural group of Style Mavens a few months ago and we have all been working hard on our respective stores sourcing products, styling photo shoots and promoting the brand.  It’s a full-time job but so rewarding to see the physical embodiment of our brands.

To give you a little better idea of the concept behind my store and Joy & Revelry here is a video we shot for the site …….

To kick off the launch, Joy & Revelry is conducting a Pin It To Win It Contest for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree on the site!

Contest Rules

• To enter you must be a member of Pinterest. To become a member of Pinterest, visit www.pinterest.com to request membership.
• To enter the Sweepstakes, Head to Pinterest & create a board titled ”Revel & Enjoy Design ”
• Pin at least 3 photos from the Joy & Revelry web site
• Add at least three additional pins to show what inspires your personal design style
• Tag your board with the hagtag #joyandrevelry
• The 5 Style Mavens + one guest judge will vote to decide the most unique and creative board showing self-expression
• Entry board per person permitted during the Sweepstakes Period (April 30 – May 14).

Later in the week I will be sharing the concept behind my Joy & Revelry collection and some of the amazing items in it!  Don’t forget to register so you can explore not only my shop but the other shops of all the other amazing Style Mavens!

So excited I just can’t stand it!

Check me out on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Insta.gram for more musings on design, food and just plain randomness…

Motivational Monday: Standing Out…..

I am an outgoing person for the most part.  Well that is until I get home and I feel like a peacock on parade.  I spent three days in Ohio handling some family business and I found myself being self-conscious, moody and turning in.  It was junior high all over again and it was horrible!  Insecurities popped up that I had not felt in years.

What got me through was the above quote – it was something I found years ago and taped to the inside of my Trapper Keeper (yes I am that old).  Every day when I walked through the halls and sat down for my first class, I read it to myself.  I was different and that was okay.  My differences were going to take me further than anything else.  So this week remember that is our differences that make us so wonderfully unique and make those around us admire and stare.  Stand tall, throw your shoulders back and know that you are the embodiment of everything you want to be…..

Have a great week!

Check me out on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Insta.gram for more musings on design, food and just plain randomness…

Pretty Pictures…..

I am currently wrapping up some family business in Ohio, trying to juggle clients and an expanded role within Joy and Revelry all while coming off 4 days at High Point Market.  My mind is racing (partially due to the Ohio-sized portion of soda I received with my late night food run) but because I am on the cusp of so many things with work and family.  It’s a jumble of amazing experiences, amazing people and amazing things…..

So much goodness I can hardly stand it!  More to come from High Point as well as two major announcements next week……

Have a GREAT weekend!

Check me out on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Insta.gram for more musings on design, food and just plain randomness…

Play Date: Home Depot Patio Style Challenge….

A few weeks ago, The Home Depot approached me as well as several other bloggers to see if we would be willing to work with them to rethink the outdoor spaces of our respective homes. Y’all know I love me some HD, so it was a pretty easy decision to say yes and be on my merry way to refreshing our patio……

Check out the post on The Home Depot blog, The Apron to see the patio refresh as well as the quick and easy DIY projects I incorporated into the design. Thank you again to Home Depot for including me in this awesome bunch of bloggers and DIY forward-thinkers!

On a side note, High Point is going really well and I am tired to the bone. Looking forward to a quiet weekend filled with sleep and no fried foods…..I would be willing to give up sleep for a week to avoid fried pickles again (look at Instagram and you will understand)….

Talk soon love bugs!

[photography: photo by adza]

Motivational Mondays: Experience….

Let’s see what experiences I can make for myself this week at High Point!  Follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Insta.gram to get the low down on all the sights and amazing new home decor products for Spring 2013.

And We Are Off….

And I am off on a plane to High Point Market, one of the largest furniture and home accessory trade shows in the US.  I went last year and was amazed, overwhelmed and giddy all at the same time.  I was also tired, hungry and had a sore shoulder from carry those damn catalogs (rookie mistake).

So next week my posts may be spotty but if you want to keep up on all the awesome things I am seeing, doing and experiencing while at High Point, I strongly suggest you follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Insta.gram - it’s going to be where I will be posting all the amazing things I am sure I will be seeing.

However, I do have one special post next week — I get to finally reveal my “tweaked” patio that I worked on with Home Depot!  Until then, be safe, know you are loved and try to have a great weekend amid this crazy time in our country.

Peace and love.