silver lining avenue

changes

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 21:59:00 +0000

So I guess you know by now that I have fully abandoned this blog. And it is not because I do not love you little Silver Lining Avenue....because I do!

I have taken on a new venture. I am not ready to spill the beans yet... so I am redirecting this blog back to its previous domain: www.possimpiblyawesome.blogspot.com for now, if you need it for any reason.

Follow me on Twitter @saritabaucom for upcoming information.

And after that, pray/beg/meditate that I am following my dreams and it will all be worth it.

Thank you for all of the love ladies, I have so enjoyed this time.

Moving on up!

xo,
Sarah

Fall Lookbook Already?

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Just thumbing through Madewell's Fall 2012 lookbook. UM glittery harem cropped pants? Color is here to stay! And it looks like its time to hit up mom & dad's attic and retrieve my much loved denim jacket!

I was just reading something today (I don't have to source shit, this is my blog) and the author was saying how there are no real "trends" anymore for fashion. It's a pretty much 'anything goes' sort of world. I can dig.

Why, Hello Kitty

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:19:00 +0000

Y'all

I am back. I can't promise much, but I did want to "check in" with my faithful followers.

These past few months have been some of the very busiest of my LIFE. I would definitely say they have been busier than the months leading up to our wedding.

About one month before I completed my last interior design project for school, I got an email from a residential interior design firm, expressing they were interested in me for a position at their company. Without much thinking (and with tons of excitement), I jumped on the opportunity. So right now, I am working FULL time in my construction job and PART-TIME in my design job. Also, a few days ago I got a small job on the side. So yeah, things have been busy, but fun and great!

Also, my sweet husband turned the big 3-0 last week. We celebrated with a big week vacay, followed by a cookout on our new patio.

The next exciting thing I have ventured into has been eBay. I started selling my "older" stuff. It has been a relief to clean out some closets. If you have spoken with me in the past few weeks, I have probably told you to do the same. I am a barrel of fun.

Hopefully I will have some more fun things to share this summer as I hope to reboot ye ole blog. What would you like to see more of? Design? Fashion? Excessive pictures of me at weddings? The Beaz?

xo,
sBk

5 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:46:00 +0000

Friends! I have missed blogging, but I am currently 5 WEEKS AWAY from completing my Interior Design program. I can see the light!

Please be patient, I shall return!

~Sarah

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:11:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Whew! After a whirlwind tour of Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges, and back to Paris, we are back in the USA. And it feels so good. Mostly because I missed vegetables, our bed and warm weather.

Here is to a promise of some serious recaps of our amazing {belated} anniversary trip!

Le Eiffel:

Oui Oui

If you...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:57:00 +0000

ever wondered what I do at 5 AM on any given Wednesday:

Gold sheet metal

Designing a {GOLD} Hollywood Regency Parsons Sofa Table, OF COURSE.

Paris in just a few days. ALMOST THERE SARAH!

Givenchy

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000

How to Steal a Million Bucks

This Givenchy black Chantilly-lace cocktail dress is amazing, don't ya think?

Enjoy your day!

I'm READY

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:19:00 +0000

To wear this...

Sherbert Seersucker Bikini

Without wishing these days away for tomorrow.

Is anyone else ready for Spring?

Morning Views

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Today is going to be one of those really long days. Although, I am not complaining. My plate is beyond full due to the amount of work I am trying to accomplish before our big Parisian adventure.

Sometimes when I know I am going to have an incredibly busy and stressful day, I will wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual and read something fun while drinking my first cup (of a full pot) of coffee. I have absolutely always done this. Except, in college instead of reading (who reads in college?), I would take a drive around town and clear my head. I fully recommend this to anyone. Also, a quick run would be nice, but I do not run in the dark as I am clumsy enough.

Today, I am feeling totally inspired by Mary & Russel Wright's Guide to Easier Living. I found this gem while in an antique store in Seattle last Summer. It is the coolest book filled with hand drawn images and orthographic photos of the ideal mid-century home. How can you not be inspired?

This book was the precursor to Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook, which I also own. Only, Martha doesn't draw, and she does not show sample floor plans to keep your home organized. Gotta love the Wrights.

Fight Gone Mad

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:08:00 +0000

I told you I was a trendy bitch right?

Well, now I have up and joined a Crossfit {inspired} gym, Fight Gone Mad.

Ways to describe FGM:

It is absolutely the MOST fun I have ever had while getting my ass handed to me.

It is the absolute best time I have had without a glass of wine in my hand.

Once you start, you can't stop (like Pringles, less calories).

Take your pick.

Either way, I got in a full body, kick my butt up and down the street 25-minute workout, and I feel all warm and fuzzy from it.

So why fighting like mad? Well, a few weeks ago I was reading something with Bob Harper from Biggest Loser fame (der) and he was speaking to the amazing effectiveness of Crossfit on the body. Like, mentioning it several times in the article (aside to the audience: right now I am dodging my cat's teeth as she is biting my fingers at the keyboard... she loves me?). And while I was reading it, I realized how scared I had been of box jumps and kettle bell swings...and that's when I knew I had to try it out.

What was I so scared of? Oh falling on my face off of a big piece of wood? {insert joke here}

Hell, yes I was scared. And I still am. I sort of walk in every time with a bit of a fear "am I going to be able to finish the workout", "will I die here"?

Y'all know, I have absolutely NEVER been an athlete. Everything I am and have physically, I have worked my butt off for it. Do you ever see those runners who seem to glide seamlessly across the pavement? And have you ever seen those people on the side of the road who look like they are about to lose their lunch and are spitting into their shirt (because they can't spit right, OK!) and they are red faced and about to die from a 2-miler?

I am what's behind door #2.

So for now, this new experience is a real sense of accomplishment. I am not doing this so I will look better on the beach, well partly. I am doing this because I want to be strong. I have always known I am stronger emotionally, when I am stronger physically.

Shoving weights around, rowing, long jumping, and pull ups (assisted, who am I, Arnold?). I feel like a real badass. Don't ruin it for me, go with it.

It is definitely not for everyone. But right now, it's right for me. I have put my comfortable, trusty yoga mat aside and picked up a kettle bell. And with that, I have put away some fear and picked up some newfound confidence. I think I am sort of addicted, now.

world, watch out!

Paper on Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

I cannot think of an easier way to add some real pizazz to a room other than adding a kitschy-cool wallpaper. Here are some of my current favorites, I want them all (not all in one room, although...)!

Sanderson Omega Cats Wallpaper-John Lewis

Foret Noir-Lapin & Me

Scrapwood Wallpaper

Stacked Paperback - Anthropologie

Fashion-Ferm Living

People are always asking me how to be "bolder" within their own homes. This is your answer!

Lauren Elan Love

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

January is always so busy busy and full of agendas, Outlook Calenders, catching up, cleaning out, etc. So I usually dress pretty simple during the colder months, lots of black, lots of tights and boots. You can see me in this today actually, as it has become my absolute uniform. One thing I always try to throw on is a chunky piece of jewelry, to add a bit of WOW factor to my otherwise lackluster and uninspired (Read: EASY) uniform. I am really loving these gorgeous pieces from jewelry designer Lauren Elan.

I can totally see myself wearing these well into the Summer with an easy maxi dress and sandals...cocktail in hand, of course.

My chat with Kelly Wearstler

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Yesterday on Twitter, Kelly Wearstler and I had a heart to heart chat. Ok, not really, but she did respond to some of my questions during the Architectural Digest #askad100 tweet chats. How cool is that? The chat room was filled with great questions and others that are like me, and adore the Kelly Wearstler aesthetic.

Have y'all checked out pics (or gone to!!!) the Kelly Wearstler boutique in Beverly Hills? The space provides a stunning backdrop for Kelly's new line of Ready to Wear, as well as her geo jewelry line.

My favorite part? The cheeky mannequins are so much fun!! Must find some old mannequins and spray gold soon!! Also, I am obsessed with the gold perforated theme...Hollywood Regency at it's best!

{via}

Some highlights of the Tweet Chat:

"I really don't look at trends. I just follow my heart and do what I love. Inspiration is everywhere!"

"For me, fashion follows interiors and interiors follow fashion. Each discipline inspires the other."

"I would love to do a diffusion line someday!" (answer to my q!)

"I love all colors right now, but if I had to choose right now, I'm in love with Punk Pinks."

Happy Kate Middleton Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

It's Kate Middleton's 30th birthday today!

Let's celebrate by giving our hair a perfect blowout and donning our favorite custom made Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown.

Round brushes are back, bitches

{images}

Shiny & New

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Whatcha think of the new header? I have been playing around with photoshop. I am by NO means an expert...but it's a good try right?

High/low

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

I am a big fan of the trendy high/low tops. They add an edgy element to a simple ensemble without looking like you are trying too hard. However, sometimes the tops need a little extra planning to really take the look to the next level. I love how fresh The Glamouri has made this top look, as opposed to the sort of hipster look that it usually has.

{via}

What do you think about the high/low shirt look?

Create January: 4/31 Hot Fudge Sundae Birthday {mini} Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Last week my best friend in the world came in town for the holidays. Since her birthday is the day after Christmas, I wanted to bake her something special to celebrate the big 2-8!

I decided on these mini Hot Sundae Birthday Cupcakes based on this recipe, since they looked so adorable and festive!

They were absolutely delicious and a big hit!

We don't drink milk with our desserts in this house, we drink champagne!

Cheers!

One Month Till PARIS

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:28:00 +0000

OK, technically One Month + 1 Day, but still PARIS!

Ryan and I decided a while back to travel somewhere special for our one year (*belated*) anniversary, and what place is more special or romantic than PARIS?!?

{via}

I have already begun a list to help organize packing, and strategies for staying warm! I cannot wait y'all!

Any suggestions for looking chic in the cold weather? I am going to need some serious help here!!

Also, if you have any favorite Parisian spots, please drop me a line and let me know!

♥

Shipping Container Buildings

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:36:00 +0000

There are days when I waffle back and forth. Do I want to design for commercial or residential? And then I see something like this article on a new Starbucks shop in Washington, made out of four reused shipping containers, and I feel my heart lies with commercial design.

Speaking of…school starts back on Monday…good-bye social life, it twas fun.

Create January 3/31: Workout Mixtape

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Today’s Create January post is inspired by all of those who are getting “back on track” ,or maybe you just need a new mixtape for your long commute home.

Either way, I have assembled some of my favorite workout (indie) jams for you, dear friends.

Let me know if you love it!

How-to: Sell Your Wedding Dress Online

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0000

This post might be a little late, but I know a whole bunch of beautiful ladies who have just recently gotten hitched that might be interested in this post.

And if you ever want to sell a car, it’s a pretty similar process, too.

Back-story: When we got engaged back in December 2009, I was frantic (as many brides can be) and I was immediately daunted with finding the perfect wedding dress. The one that everyone would gasp and say “that’s so Sarah” (as opposed to “That’s So Raven”)…you know, to make the ENTRANCE OF A LIFETIME. I immediately tried on every single dress in Charlotte and Atlanta. I probably tried on about 250 dresses by February 2010. I felt time was running out. My heart was beating so fast at every second of the day. Oh good LORD, I must find it so they can order it so I can get it fitted so I can get accessories, hair, makeup, bridals…It was all so much to handle. Also, I had been reading wedding blogs like it was my job (mostly, while I was at my job) and I had become a HUGE fan of Claire Pettibone gowns. They were romantic, some were edgy, and they were from England…most importantly, no one I knew had worn anything like it. So I ended up leaving a bridal salon in Atlanta (which will not be named) immediately knowing I hated the dress that I just plunked one grand on. And that’s just to order it…

When I got home, I Google imaged it (that phrase is a verb in my vocabulary) and found this beautiful woman wearing the same dress I had just bought. And it looked amazing on her. I had hope. I clung on dearly to this hope and this picture for 5 months until the dress arrived. (Seriously, this woman is gorgeous, here is her cute blog, too). I am a professional stalker.

Fast forward to 5 months later, and as much as I had stressed about the dress, I convinced myself it would be wonderful.

And then I tried it on…

Blech.

I hated it, Can you see my hate in this picture? I understood what they kept telling me “you have to wait to pass judgment until you get it sized” bullsh***. Nope, I hated it. HATED IT. I needed another dress. How could I get married in something I was unhappy in?

But I had to sell this one. Oh and the salon in Atlanta knew I hated it, but you sign these contracts that they will not return them because the are “custom”. And I was just so unhappy.

Solution: Buy a new dress and sell the old one.

I used www.Preownedweddingdresses.com which is actually a really fun site to peruse and learn of new designers, and you can see how things actually fit real women as opposed to the heartless models that are usually used for bridal lines. Seriously, those girls are all 7 feet tall and approximately 95 lbs, aka not real women.

Step-by Step Listing:

So for a small fee ($335), I listed my dress (for about 10%off of the price I paid for it) on Pre-owned Wedding Dresses
Uploaded pictures (the ones from the Claire Pettibone website, no one wanted to see my sad face)
Researched other for sale dress descriptions and wrote my own very detailed (and honest) description of the dress
Filled in every single bit of detailed information including size of dress, street size of dress, actual length of dress with 4” heels, dimensions of bust, etc. This was probably the most tedious, but well worth it task of the listing process.
Also, it is important to figure out who will pay for the shipping, the buyer or seller. Since I was not-super desperate, I ended up tacking on about $50 to the shipping price, knowing I would ship it priority (it is a big shipment!)
Wait patiently. Within about one week, I had about 10 emails about the dress! Many people ask dumb questions like:

“will it look good with tan skin”
“can I buy it for 1/25th of your asking price”
“can I come to your house and try it on tomorrow, I live in Canada” (um no, that’s creepy and you live in CANADA< what?!)

I wish I were kidding.

But after about two weeks of fielding some very interesting offers, I find a girl that is very interested in my dress. After exchanging our actual email addresses, we emailed back and forth for about a week. She would ask very good questions and I would answer the best I could. I was very honest with her and told her that I had changed my mind and wanted a fuller skirt and a different dress for my wedding. We also agreed that this purchase was a FINAL SALE, no returns as long as the product was what I had promised. She decided to buy the dress (hallelujah) and we started the actual “Selling” process. Oh and I agreed to drop the price a bit more for her since she was hesitant about buying it online and I just wanted to get it out of my house at this point!

Step-by-Step Selling:

The website Preowned Wedding Dresses promotes and encourages the selling process to go through a third party website called Escrow.com.
Create a free Escrow account and then send bill to email address of buyer.
Wait for buyer to create their own Escrow account and accept terms of purchase. (Again, I emailed her and told her that this was indeed final sale and we agreed upon this statement)
Buyer submits money order/credit card/etc. to Escrow.
Escrow then emails you (the seller) and says that “the money has been accepted” and will be held by Escrow until the buyer receives the merchandise.
Then you ship the dress via whatever method that you and the seller have agreed upon. I ended up overnighting the thing to California via FedEx (the buyer got a little ancy). This cost me about $80. Since I had already told her it would only be $50, I gladly ate the $30 to get rid of the dress ASAP. However, the buyer ended up paying the Escrow fee as well, and I think that was about 3% of the purchase?
The buyer them signs back into their Escrow account to confirm that they have it and accept the purchase.
The Seller gets a check within 5-8 business days.
All is well with the universe as two brides are happy.

Escrow was really great after I understood the whole process. I called many times just to make sure I was doing everything correctly. I encourage all brides (and old bridesmaids) to try and sell their dresses (if they are not keeping them) as soon as you can (while the styles are still relevant). I am so happy that I got some of my money back from this purchase and I am so happy that another bride could have the dress of her dreams.

I did not choose to sell my actual wedding dress and I got it preserved (aka very expensive dry cleaning) so that I can force our future daughter to try it on and tell me that it’s out-of-date.

Please feel free to email me (in about me section) or tweet me if you have any more questions about this selling method!

Oh and last thing, before you sell your dress, make your super funny friend, Erin try on the dress and prance around with it like a fairy princess. Wait for Erin’s birthday to post to her facebook page and have a good laugh.

Create January 2/31: Necklace Makin'

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:58:00 +0000

Today's Create January post is one that I have put on the back burner for months. It is so simple, but I have about a billion pieces of broken costume necklaces, bracelets and earrings that have been BEGGING to be fixed up!

Since I am a hoarder by nature, I keep these broken trinkets in hopes of one day finding the time, patience or the inspiration to do something with them.

A small stash of my ever growing collection of misfit jewelry:

A lot of this jewelry was my grandmother's, as she had a billion pieces of costume jewelry. I cannot remember her ever going a day without coordinating brooches, earrings, and necklace. She liked fancy.

When she passed away almost four years ago (on Valentine's Day), I only wanted her costume jewelry collection. My mom handed it over to me in multiple bags on one condition, I do something with it, repurpose the pieces into something spectacular. Well, I guess now is a good time to start learning how to make jewelry (ahem, four years later).

I have had this single earring that lost its match one day at a party for about two years. I really really loved these earrings, and I couldn't part with the single gold disc. I decided today that it was time to change it into a gold necklace, since I wear them almost everyday. Sidenote: who wears silver anymore?

My supplies:

vintage (broken) gold chain
lonely gold disc earring
7mm gold jump rings (Michael's)
gold toggle clasps (Michael's)
krazy glue (didn't end up using, but always a good thing to have in your DIY toolbox!)
round nose jewelry pliers
Wire cutter (right)
10 minutes

Step-by-step:

Open one jump ring with round nose pliers and hook to gold earring and close opening. This is also a good time to measure this necklace around your neck and decide what length it should be. With wire cutter, trim necklace to desired length.

2. Decide that you might look too much like Mr. T, and go for the horizontal look. Carve mini hole on opposite side of jump ring (with kitchen butcher knife, be careful). Hook second jump ring in new hole with pliers.

3. Take two more jump rings and place at opposite ends of the chain. Then clasp toggle pieces to opposite jump rings.

4. Try it on. Have husband take a picture of you, get embarrassed. Photoshop acne. Love necklace.

So I am no jewelry artist, yet. But, it was fun trying it out for the day! And I got a new necklace with junk that has been lying around my house! Win.Win.

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:26:00 +0000

The new year is such a beautiful thing. Promise of wonderful opportunities, laughs and successes fill the air as people write out lists of "to-do's" and "not-to-do's".

Every year, I hear people (yogis and gym goers alike!) complain that their "space" will be taken over by all of these eager resolution makers. This makes me sad. Of course I loathe waiting for cardio, or someone grabbing "my spot" in a yoga studio (I have a "spot" in most studios in Charlotte, don't you?), but I want these people to make these life changing, maybe even life SAVING changes. I haven't always been the healthiest lady out there but I do feel that I am pretty balanced these days, and it has resulted in much happiness in my personal life. When I feel better physically, I feel stronger mentally.

So encourage your friend, loved one or neighbor to continue this journey of health. I am currently living with three close family members that would be in a lot different situations if they had 1) quit smoking 2) quit partying and 3) quit excessive eating and bingeing cycles. It makes me think, what if someone would have helped them keep a resolution years back?

I'm just saying.

And if it's you with the resolution, do not give up just because Trader Joe's produce section is busy, or that the unfamiliar face at the yoga studio parked it in "your spot". Encourage others to be healthy, you have no idea the impact it could have on the future. Encourage others to try something new that could become a healthy habit.

And friend, Trader Joe's produce section is ALWAYS crowded.

What are your resolutions?

{via}

Create January-Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:34:00 +0000

I woke up feeling very recharged and ready to create today. Of course, in my little neurotic brain, I cannot create until my environment is clean and organized. It's just my method.

After doing about 16 loads of laundry before 9 AM and while my husband was still in bed sleeping off a non-existent hangover, I decided to bake.

And so began my new project: "Create January". I am really dedicated to making or creating or accomplishing something special every single day this month. This can range from starting a painting to trying headstand without the assist of a wall.

I feel that as an artist, you can only grow through experimentation. And as easy as it is to say that you have "writer's block" or you just need to "feel the inspiration", sometimes you really just have to take the initiative.

So here I stood in my kitchen (dishwasherless kitchen, to be exact) and wanted to create something that was delicious and would use up some sad looking bananas.

Enter a simple muffin recipe. I just sort of winged it. (wanged it? Ha, nevermind).

I shall call these: bananaapplegoodfatdelicious muffins. Trademark that.

Want the recipe?

Ingredients (Makes 6 Muffins)

Muffin liners (trust me, its a bit sticky)
3/4 C flour. I mixed whole wheat and garbanzo bean flour. AP would work
1/2 TSP baking soda, baking powder and salt
2 Large mashed overripe bananas
1/2 Diced apple
1-2 TSP cinnamon (I used more than this, but I am a cinnamonholic)
2 TBSP brown sugar
1 Egg white (could substitute "vegan egg, I was too lazy to wait for chia to gel)
1 TBSP Coconut Oil (can be omitted and replaced with applesauce if wanted a fat free version)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Get distracted, drink another cup of coffee
Mix Dry Ingredients and set aside
Mash banana in separate microwave safe bowl. Sprinkle some cinnamon and microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until banana is super mushy. Repeat with Apple dices and add 1 TBSP of brown sugar. Lick spoon after stirring.
Mix apple, banana concoction, egg white and coconut oil well.
Fold dry ingredients into banana mixture.
Pour into prepared muffin liners
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a sharp knife comes out clean (no toothpicks on hand).
Smother with Sunflower Seed Butter and wake up husband to enjoy breakfast.

Let me know if you try this guy out! Happy New Year, yall!

elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Baucom) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Isn't it amazing how just one picture can say so much? Evoke so much feeling?

Just saw this image via Pinterest (of course), and I think it is absolutely magical.