JUST ARRIVED...BELL MOUNTAIN NATURALS

 I was giddy opening up a long-awaited shipment from Bell Mountain Naturals recently. 

The soap bars are packaged in a drawstring muslin bag ready for gift giving...mothers day, housewarming, birthdays! And, the smell is amazing! 

How cute are the gem cut terrazzo soaps?! The speckled pattern in the gems are actually the essential oils! So cute for gift giving as well, party favors, and in a guest bathroom!

We also offer natural face masks containing vegan coconut milk powder, white kaolin clay, spinach, and matcha green tea to name just a few of the lovely ingredients.

All of the products are handmade in Austin, TX using only high quality, natural ingredients without any fillers, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrance with packaging that is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. 

 

Ready to pamper yourself, or purchase one for a friend or loved one? Click here to shop >

BREAKFAST AREA

 Shortly after the main part of my home was built in 1977, an addition was added on which has now become my living room. 

The size of the room allows for a sectional sofa with still room to spare in the corner for use of some other sort. Two exterior windows still exist from the original home, one over the kitchen sink and the other looking in from the entryway. The smaller window I will frame out and fill in with sheetrock at some point down the road. While, the window over the kitchen sink will be removed but framed out to leave an opening between the two spaces. I considered putting bar stools in front of this window, however, since the corner is so large I think it would be better suited as a breakfast area with a small round table. 

I REALLY LOVE BANQUETTES. AND, A (POSSIBLE STRANGE) REQUIREMENT WHEN LOOKING FOR A HOME TO BUY WAS THAT IT MUST HAVE A CORNER WHERE I COULD INSTALL A BANQUETTE. 

I think this corner is just perfect for a banquette. If you're unsure what this is, check out my pinterest board here. The inspiration photos below are a modern nod to a banquette using a bench and wall hung padding instead of an upholstered bench, which is the look I am leaning towards for this corner.

via JDP Interiors

via Domino

via Lonny

A round table is perfect for a corner and will soften the room next to the sharp lines of my sectional. I'm noticing a lot of tables with pedestal bases, which I think is a fresh detail. The two options below, a wood slat version and a concrete version, are top contenders. However, there are a plethora of other options if you want to replicate the look as well from  A+R, Rove Concepts, Design Public, Pottery Barn, Room & Board, West Elm, Living Spaces, All Modern, Crate & Barrel, Havertys, Anthropologie, Anthropologie x 2, and McGee & Co. I will also keep my eye out at local thrift stores as well for a similar vintage one.

via Wayfair

via Urban Outfitters

I'm drawn to the trio of gold linear pendant lights shown in the first inspiration image and found similar ones here, here, here, here, here, and here that could be nice in either gold or black. 

I also think an oversized basket lamp like this could be interesting...

via 

Or, a terra cotta or ceramic hanging pendant light like this...

via Italian Bark

Lastly, an inspiration image I love for styling...

via vtwonen