Inspiration Photo Friday: Tunnel Vision

24 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

Tags

determination, nature, peace, peaceful, plants, road, trees, tunnel vision, vacation

My husband and I have been on our vacation since Tuesday and since then we have mainly relaxed, which was the point of the trip. It’s really been nice to kind of do nothing for once. The weather has been rainy and cloudy everyday so we can’t really explore the area too much but when the sun comes shining through, we will surely get out for a bit.

I told myself this trip would help rejuvenate my mind and jumpstart a new way of life. When I get home I would like to focus more on my health, so starting an exercise routine and eating a little better is a must. I also want to focus on Gray Star Design and go full force with the business. And last but not least, creating more time to spend with Dan and doing more together.

I took this photo yesterday while taking a walk with our dogs. It’s the road our cottage is on and it really is beautiful. Surrounded by trees, plants, and a peaceful stream that runs through the woods, the serene environment truly allows clear thinking. It reminded me of the path I want to take in life and how important certain things are to my future. And although you never know what will come your way, creating the life you want and working toward goals that will truly make you happy, is essential for success. And I know I will get there.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Tunnel Vision - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Garden Bliss

03 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bloom, cherry trees, flowers, food, garden, garden goodies, growing, herbs, nature, plants, seeds, spring, summer, trees, vegetable gardens, white flowers

Now that spring is here, I can’t stop thinking of our vegetable gardens my husband and I plan to set up this year. Being able to grow what we eat is truly amazing to me. Having enough to share is even better.

I live right next to a nursery, which I love, and the other day I went over to take a look around at their selection so far. It was nice to be around all the garden goodies and flowers, especially since this kitchen renovation has been taking over my life lately. To take a break and be with nature for a little bit was seriously needed. It also helped me get in the mode of planning a few pretty areas around the house. To start I bought a few packs of flowers and planted them in pots for the backyard for some color. Already it brightened up the space.

Our cherry trees in the back are finally blooming, something I have been impatiently waiting for. They are so pretty with their little white flowers. We have three which came with the house and I love them. I like to go back there with the dogs and relax sometimes. It’s so nice to be able to do that on my own property.

This photo was taken a few years ago while my husband and I were visiting Connecticut. We passed a garden and I had to take pictures. I look at this and remind myself that our gardens will soon come. The beauty in all fresh food and herbs will shine brightly in my backyard and I will truly be one happy girl.

Basil - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Open Your Door to Spring

29 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Great Outdoors, The Home

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

brick, concrete, curb appeal, exterior, grass, greenery, home, moss, nature, plants, rocks, spring, stone, trees

Soon the cool weather will be gone and before you know it, spring will be knocking at your door. Now is the time to start thinking of how to welcome the season in your home as well as showcasing its beauty on the outside. Curb appeal is an important thing to consider when you have a home. Creating an inviting entrance and beautiful exterior can make all the difference sometimes.

There are many easy and affordable ways to jazz up the exterior of your home. Most of all, you want to complement the architecture and design of the house. You can do this by considering its colors, size, details, and all the elements that stand out. Nature is not only a huge inspiration, it is what will give your home sweet home a fantastic makeover. Flowers, shrubs, trees, and other natural materials like brick, stone, and wood, are all great examples of what to use.

Here are some great inspirations to get you moving. Enjoy!

The brick pattern in the pathway adds interest to the path and the open feel of this entrance way is clean, organized, and inviting.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Giving shape to the landscaping helps build interest around the whole house. Suddenly, lines and patterns appear, which help the eye move with a unique perspective and help the architecture stand out more.

Photo Credit: Laurie Heredia

The use of gray and black really adds a nice contrast to the earthy greens that surround the entrance of this home. The lush feel is vibrant and fresh.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Have fun with gardening and plant lots of different kinds of greenery. Mix and match colors that complement each other and play with texture. For some tips, you can always ask your local nursery for some suggestions.

Photo Credit: Garden Design Inc.

Just by updating hardware or adding a planter box filled with colorful plants can revive an entrance in no time.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Dress up your driveway and backyard with large potted plants and fresh greenery.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Get creative when it comes to your driveway and pathway. Concrete isn’t the only material you can use. Explore your options with other natural elements like stone, brick, rocks, and even grass and moss.

Photo Credit: Down to Earth Landscapes

Landscaping can make all the difference in creating an overall finished look for your home. You want to create an environment where the structure of the house looks as if it was always meant to be there.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Inspiration Photo Friday: Home Sweet Spring

22 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors, The Home

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bloom, earth, flowers, gardens, grass, green, growth, home, ivy, leaves, may, nature, spring, trees

I know that it doesn’t feel like spring but it is in fact, officially here. All I can think about is the warmer weather and springtime blooms. I am dying for spring to show her face once and for all.

Dan and I have many plans these next few months so the season will be more to us than just nicer weather. Not only do we celebrate Dan’s birthday this month but our wedding anniversary is May 20th. I can’t believe one year will have gone by. Time flies like there is no tomorrow. Our anniversary trip is booked for the end of the May and we will be relaxing in Charlemont, Massachusetts with our dogs for a whole week. We found the cutest cottage for our stay and I simply can’t wait to get away from it all and be one with nature.

We also have plans here on the home front. Our home will get a number of makeovers which I am very excited about. The kitchen remodel is long overdue and we are about 80% done with collecting all the materials we need to complete it. Once April hits and our windows can be opened, its on! We are also going to work on the backyard a bit and start our vegetable gardens. This is a very much anticipated task. To be able to grow pretty much everything we eat is simple amazing and I can’t wait!

This photo was taken last May, two days after our wedding. When its in full spring mode, our backyard is a true inspiration to me. The lushness of the trees and ivy, the smell of the fresh cut grass, and the little beauties that come alive in our gardens are all the wonderful things that surround our home. All I want to do is lay outside under our cherry trees and listen to the birds sing. I am very lucky to have such an amazing inspiration right in my backyard.

I wish you all happy spring inspirations and hope that the earth can uplift your soul and whisk you away somewhere beautiful. It’s such a gift to have a natural space you can exist in and feel so alive. You don’t know how happy I am to be able to visit mine everyday by just walking out the back door.