If I had to pick my favorite piece in our house, it would have to be our coffee table. It is exactly what I hoped for when envisioning our living room and was the perfect size. I've received quite a few comments and questions on my snapchat [username: the teacher diva] regarding our coffee table and the accessories I use for decorating, so I thought it would be fun to share a whole post dedicated to coffee table styling! ...
Our Home Tour
Today, I’m excited to share a project that Austin and I have been working very hard on for the past several months.
Austin and I purchased our first home two and a half years ago. After months of looking, we finally found one we fell in love with. Coming from a tiny 700 square foot apartment, we felt a bit overwhelmed after realizing we had to fill it with something besides a hand-me-down bed and a Craigslist couch. So after several months of planning, hard work, and saving, Austin and I finally feel cozy at home. And we are so excited to share it with all of you! We are very pleased with how everything turned out and we couldn't have done it without the help of our dear friend and designer, Jessie Russell. ...
Home Inspiration With Peacock Alley
I am so excited to introduce you to the brand behind the luxe bedding and linens, Peacock Alley. Many of you know that Austin and I have been spending quite some time working on our home updates and we can't wait to share our home with you next week. One of the items on our list was investing in new bedding. Knowing friends and family that have shopped with Peacock Alley, I was anxious to give it a try.
Last July, I had the pleasure of going to their studio in Dallas. Of course their showroom was gorgeous, but I loved getting to see all of the different types of linens styled on each bed. Learning about their fabrics was fascinating and I had no idea how much work went into each piece. Most of their fabric is sourced from Portugal and Italy and then hand-sewn in their Dallas workshop.
They are known for their "white bed" and love to layer a neutral bed like you would layer a neutral outfit: lots of different textures make a statement. It was just the inspiration I needed to start creating our new bed.
While Peacock Alley is the leading line for luxe bedding, you can also shop the look for less at their Dallas or Plano Outlet. You can find the locations here, or hop on their website to shop their classic ...
The Holiday Collection | For the Home
With our home "refresh" on the brain, I figured I would make my last Gift Guide feature some of my favorite things for the home. We had these leopard x stools made a few months ago from Liven Up Design and we have been so impressed with the quality and detailing! I can't wait to show you how we styled them when our home tour goes live in January. They were exactly what we were looking for!
I also love coffee table books. Over the years, I've collected an assortment of photography, travel and fashion books to use as decorative pieces throughout the house. Each year, I always ask for a couple at Christmas. This year, I'm asking for this one by Kate Spade. If you love to travel, I recently took a peak inside St. Barths and the pictures (as well as the cover) are gorgeous. I also just purchased this one for Austin's office.
Have you guys finished all of your shopping? I still have a few people to buy for, but I am almost done! Some of you asked if I was going to post my guide for holiday events in Dallas. I am planning to share that tomorrow but here is a look at my post ...
Home Updates with Lulu & Georgia
Today, I am excited to share a little update on our home makeover before the big reveal in January. Recently, I purchased this vanity for our bedroom, and was in desperate need for a few accessories to help style out the new piece. Lulu and Georgia has been my go-to ever since we moved almost two years ago. I frequently browse their website for new decor items, desk accessories, or furniture pieces.
I've mentioned before, that home decorating intimidates me, but after working with Jessie (our friend and designer) she helped make this process so much more enjoyable and actually fun! Here are a few easy steps to help you style your vanity, dresser or desk.
1. Get Personal Starting with a clean slate can be very daunting, but for some, it's an exciting challenge! I always like to incorporate a few personal touches into each space around our home. Whether it's a photo from a recent trip or my favorite perfume, it's all about what makes you feel at home and inspired.
Call me old fashioned, but I love calendars and prefer to have something tangible to look at while I'm getting ready or working. This flip calendar was the perfect addition. Each month is a different glamor girl illustration. They are so pretty!
I also like to ...
Ask Ashley
One of my favorite things about this blog, is getting to hear from your guys. Whether it's asking questions, sharing tips , or seeking advice...I genuinely love chatting with you!
Recently, I've received a few emails suggesting I write a post answering questions submitted by readers. Since I love hearing from you, I am going to take that advice and start a Q&A series, Ask Ashley, featuring your questions.
I am looking forward to sharing this new series with you!
Feel free to submit your questions to theteacherdiva@gmail.com
xx ...
How to Decorate Your Home in 5 Easy Steps
Since Austin and I moved in to our first home last Summer, decorating has not been an easy process. Between both of us working full time jobs (and writing for The Teacher Diva), furniture being delayed, and my indecisive nature, it's been pretty frustrating. ...
A Girls Guide to a Classic Timepiece
It's no question that I love watches. Not only are they practical, but they are a fun accessory to wear and can make any "arm party" look on point. Funny thing is, I never really wore a watch until I started student teaching my senior year in college. I remember all I wanted for Christmas that year was this gold Michael Kors watch (and it's still going strong after all these years!).
Throughout the years, I've attempted to step up my watch game by investing in a few more timepieces. I wanted more options to wear on different occasions. I was looking for an oversized gold and black watch and one that was a little smaller and more simple but with a leather band. I went to Nordstrom to shop their collection and I loved that they had something a all price points. I wasn't ready to make a huge investment, but I knew I wanted a quality timepiece that would last for years to come.
I found this Michael Kors watch and it has been one of my favorites as of late. I love the oversized face and black and gold details. And it's great to wear just about anything. I still was on the hunt for a watch with leather straps and remembered my co-worker had the most adorable watch from Kate Spade. I loved the girly features and the minimalist design. I knew the leather straps would be a ...
At Home with Lulu & Georgia
Hi everyone! I am so excited to team up with Lulu & Georgia today and share with you some updates around our home. As you may know, we recently bought our first home in July. It has been an exciting (scary) and fun time getting to decorate, and experience life as first time homeowners. And while it's been exciting, I have to admit that I totally struggle with making decisions (especially when it comes to home decorating). It can be a little intimidating buying new furniture! I knew I wanted to update our bar cart now that we had the space and Lulu and Georgia made it so easy for me. I happened to find this Mirrored Bamboo Tray Table and turned it into the perfect little bar cart.
With the holidays just around the corner, I could not wait to get this area in our home styled. We added these agate coasters, gold detailed cocktail glasses, and this gold urchin from Lulu & Georgia to add our own style to the cart. I also wanted to add some prints for a little gallery wall and I was so impressed with how affordable their selection was! Seriously, prints can cost a pretty ...
Accessorize Your Home
Moving can be overwhelming. And if you're like me, you're still trying to makeup your mind on furniture styles and decorations 3 months later. I feel like my house should be perfect and 100% done, but I have realized these things take time and patience is key.
I always look to Pinterest and Instagram for my daily does of inspiration. Whether it's for home or style, it's certain I will find something that catches my eye. Rachel George has been a favorite of mine for a while. Not only for decorating ideas, but also for their adorable accessories. Rachel George is an online boutique, specializing in home and office decor as well as fine jewelry. I know you will love it just as much as I do!
Even though I feel like my home isn't finished, it really helps to have a few great accessories to help liven up the place. I chose some fun Kate Spade Office Accessories, this little Jonathan Adler Zebra Dish, and I could not pass up this cool