Doors are Opening!

As you can see, the muse got a makeover!  Thanks to Shari at Little Blue Deer for my new look. There are still a few more links and things to complete, but the main look is in place.  I will try to have everything operational in the next week or so. 

I entitled this post, "Doors are Opening" because I wanted to take this opportunity to announce the launch of my new interior design company - Mandi Smith T Interiors.  As many of you know, I have been doing interior staging and design for the past three years here in Birmingham.  Recently, I decided to create my own company with a focus on providing smart interior design advice for those on a budget.  After all, interior design should be less intimidating and more accessible. 

I think there is a real need for decorators who understand not all homeowner's can afford (nor want) to completely start over with their interiors.  Instead, by making smart choices on current furnishings and the layout of a space, one can achieve a fresh new look without investing a fortune.

So, if you are looking for a fresh new look in your home on a budget, I would love to help you!  

For those that follow my blog, I will continue to publish daily post on interior design, and I hope you continue to follow me!  To that end, I thought I would kick off the week with some of my favorite things!

Things That Make Me Smile

Generally, I love change. I am forever rearranging my spaces, trying new recipes, and encouraging my kids to branch out (new friends, new sports, new foods).  But, there are a few things, I never seem to grow tired of.  They always make me happy.

Cut Velvet Pillows

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A Toddler's Belly Laugh

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Homemade Ice Cream

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Nailhead Trim

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Fresh Flowers

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A Meal with my Husband

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The Smell of BBQ

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Oushak Rugs

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Bed Linens 

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Platform Sandals 

(with nailhead trim I might add!)

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I hope you have a wonderful week.  Thank you for continuing to follow and read my blog everyday.  The support has been truly wonderful! M. 

Open Letter to Mr. Smith T

Thirteen years ago today,  I made a promise.  At the time, I was just giddy over the whole event.  But as time has gone by, I have come to realize what a wonderful deal I got on that day.  

  You have been my confidant, best friend and soul mate.  I would have missed out on such sweetness of life had I never met you.  I am so very grateful for your love and devotion. 

I love you so much more today than even on the day I married you!

 Who knows what this life will bring? One thing I know for sure,  I am so happy to be on the journey with you!     

Much love to you on our (lucky) 13th Anniversary!  M.

Happy Dance!

I found out this week I have been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award from two of my favorite bloggers.  They both have amazing style and their blogs are part of my "morning coffee" routine every single day! 

Sherry at Design Indulgence is an interior designer/blogger in Atlanta.  Her style has a twist making every space she designs unique, but ultra chic.  She recently did a nursery that is second to none on my list of nurseries. 

Amanda at Casa Brasi is currently in design school, and she is truly on fire.  I read her posts and think how in the world did she think of that!  Sometimes they are the simplest of ideas, but they always give massive impact.

Thank you to both of you for thinking of me! 

So, I'm told that I need to share 7 things about myself and then send the award to 7 others.  Frankly, this part feels a little bit like those recipe chain emails that you get sucked into.  Where does it end?  But, I am still doing it, because I never win anything and winning feels good. :) In fact, it feels so good that I want some else to feel the love.  Here are my seven facts:

1.  Growing up, my room had an accent wall of Holly Hobbie wallpaper . . . 

 And I HATED it - I would lie awake at night and dream of putting mustaches on every single one of the little girls.  I also rearranged my room almost once a week when I was a kid - often covering the accent wall with furniture.

2.  I graduated pre-med from Ole Miss and then at the last minute decided to go to law school. What can I say?  I just wasn't ready to leave that beautiful Oxford campus.

3.  After law school, I lived and worked in Atlanta as a lawyer for six years, met my husband on a blind date, got married and moved to Birmingham where I continued to practice law for another 4 years.

4. My favorite color my entire life has been brown (even as a child, I wanted a brown Easter dress and shoes - drove my Mom insane!)

5. I dislike, ok - I must be honest, I hate bell peppers (green, red or yellow).  I hate them raw or cooked in anything.  I also don't cook with them, so my kids have no idea what they taste like!

6. Guilty pleasure - watching reruns of The Office.  It's funny because I cringe and laugh all at the same time.  I think it's my legal background and all those potential lawsuits every time Michael opens his mouth - nervous laughter. 

7.  And for a little known fact, I can tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue! (something else I learned to do while on that Oxford campus).

I know most of these are totally random, but that is what was on my mind!  

Now for the love.  Here are seven more blogs that rock my boat on a weekly basis.  I hope you find time to check them out.  They are all very different, but I like variety and I think it's important as a designer to appreciated all different types of styles.  Otherwise, every space you do will look the same, and I refuse to do this with interiors I work on!  I am sure some of these blogs have already been nominated (like the recipe emails), so if that's the case, the circle meets its end. 

[In the background you hear a little kid yell] "Tag - You're it!"

The Glam Lamb

Haven & Home

Things That Inspire

If the Lampshade Fits

Blueprint Bliss

Dwelling Room Interiors

Mrs. Blandings

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! M.