Oh, mason jar. You’re so simple yet so faithful. You’re so plain yet so beautiful. You’re so elementary yet so complementary. You’re a trusty old friend, and I’d like to say thank you.
You make lovely place markers.
And what a delightful centerpiece you provide!
You don’t even cry out for attention. You just step right in and fill your role exquisitely.
You’re always keeping me on my toes with new uses at the ready.
What, dear reader, have you thought of to do with a trusty set of mason jars?
I know, I know…it’s still late July. I shouldn’t be thinking about sweaters, close-toed shoes or falling leaves, for that matter. But, here’s the thing: the intense heat of this summer has me wishing for fall more than any other year in recent memory. Seeing bags like this gorgeous hobo by J. Crew only intensifies my craving for crisp fall air and walks in the park that don’t leave me drenched in sweat.
Am I the only one looking forward to a day below 80 degrees?
We here at Southern Flourish love a good blog written by a Southern gal. So, we’ve started a new blog of the week feature! This week we’re highlighting Christina from Down and Out Chic, one of my personal faves!
Down and Out Chic (D&OC) is a spunky, fun and chic blog written by the lovely Christina. I love the mix of art, interior design and lifestyle posts that keep me smiling and constantly clicking to learn more about the people and products that she features!
D&OC has featured the art of Melissa Chaib…
…as well as serene shots of unnamed landscapes…
In addition to running her fabulous blog, Christina is also the proprietor of a vintage-chic Etsy store (also called Down and Out Chic). Just a few of the thing we love from her store…
5 Questions for Christina…
Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
Inspiration for my blog comes from everywhere and anywhere I spot beauty and good design: magazines, internet, art, photography, other blogs, the crafting community, etc. I started blogging in order to be able to offer a different perspective on affordable design because I was getting increasingly discouraged clicking on items on style blogs that I could never feasibly afford (or would want to pay for if I could). My inspiration comes from knowing there are quality handmade, indie, eco-friendly, and ethically conscious products that are accessible to all economic levels and that you don’t have to be rich to be a conscientious and stylish consumer! Inspiration abounds when you realize that beauty and good design really have very little to do with money.
How does Southern culture influence your blog?
I don’t know that there are any overt Southern themes on D&OC but I do live in the small, culturally rich Southern town of Athens, Georgia and I blog about my own experiences selling my work at local craft fairs and I do end up featuring many Southern artists and local designers. I received an art degree from a Southern university so even my formal art “training” is steeped in Southern themes and culture which I’m sure shines through on the blog now and again.
What is your favorite place in the South to visit?
Any beach, any beach at all will do for me! Unfortunately, due to the recent oil spill, how Southerners vacation will be greatly changed (although this is the least of our worries surrounding this tragedy, it’s still a reality). I love visiting the historic town of Savannah, GA as well as other culturally rich cities like Nashville, TN and Asheville, NC. I really should take more advantage of weekend trips to these great local cities.
Favorite Southern tradition?
To give some perspective here, I was raised by Puerto Rican, native New Yorkers in the South so my cultural experience is a mixed bag. My family isn’t your typical Southern family by any stretch of the imagination so many of my experiences surrounding Southern tradition have come from friends and my fiance’s family. I think my favorite Southern “tradition” are afternoon pot lucks involving a variety of local foods, Kentucky Whiskey and plenty of mojitos and lemonade for all!
3 blogs you can’t live without?
Ooooh, now this is a difficult question as I read a lot of blogs! If you must make choose though…
Design is Mine – I like a blogger who seems down to earth and posts about accessible design. Summer’s blog is just that- lots of inspirational posts and eye candy delivered consistently and without pretense.
Art at Heart – This UK blog is my daily art and conceptual design blog. Max finds some of the neatest products that walk the line between functionality and non-functional art object.
desire to inspire – This Canadian/Australian dream team are (in my humble book) the interior inspiration mavens of the blog world. If you like interiors that run the gamete of styles, this blog will keep you busy searching through the impressive archives of interiors stylists, photographers and designers.
Ever feel like being creative even without having a creative bone in your body? Sometimes it’s just difficult to know where to begin…
a. head to your local home decorating store and get the already-mixed ‘OOPS’ paint (pint size), paint brushes, palette knives, etc.
b. pick up a piece of wood [seek an asymmetrical piece for a different look] from a neighborhood with new construction
c. create a pattern on your own… make it abstract!
[Paintings by Chelsea Moore]
…By ‘Chunky’ we don’t mean chocolate chips (although we love those too). The shoe we covet for summer/fall fashion is the chunky wooden clog. Grab a pair now to start the trend where you live!
I’ve got a little something to share with y’all: Birmingham, Alabama is not a place to be overlooked. From delicious barbecue joints to chic boutiques, the magic city possesses some true Southern charm. And shall I mention what comes to town for the hot summer months? That’s right…a fresh farmers market. The historic Pepper Place greets the sunrise every Saturday of the summer months with farmers, vendors, musicians galore! In need of some fresh veggies? Want a little atmosphere while you browse? Well, throw on your tank top and flip flops and meet me at the Pepper Place Farmers Market!
There seems always to be a running list of “must reads.” Not sure that I’ll ever get to the bottom of it. But who says I can’t take the time to admire it? Jane Mount offers a little help.
This Atlanta girl will help you create your ideal bookshelf. Pretty, isn’t it? Maybe I would include a little Nancy Drew, Gone with the Wind, and Francine Rivers. Or maybe all cookbooks…
What’s on your bookshelf?
