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 showcasing Beth Dotolo of the wonderful Hello, Splendor blog.
Stumbling upon Hello, Splendor is like a true breath of fresh air. The design is simple and chic, the photos are to die for, and the commentary from Beth (and her fabulous group of contributors) keeps us coming back for more!
From gorgeous photos of tasty treats…
{photo found at martha stewart via hello, splendor}
…to photos of Beth’s adorable family…
{photo from hello, splendor}
…to her smart, clever and inspiring Thirty Before 30 quest, we simply love hello, splendor.
5 Questions for Beth…
Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
In everyday life! As I go about my day I come up against a dilemma or a thought and think of ways I can apply it to a post. I always try to share things that apply to my life so that it’s accessible to other people, as well!
How does Southern culture influence your blog?
I am very influenced by modern Southern culture! There are so many emerging artists and entrepreneurs in the South, especially Dallas. I try include local independent artists, eateries, and shops whenever possible.
What is your favorite place in the South to visit?
Hands down, Austin, Texas. It’s laid back and has a creative vibe. It’s a comfortable place to be that’s full of inspiration, plus Austin has an amazing music scene.
Favorite Southern tradition?
The State Fair of Texas! I must go every year. Great food, fun rides, and insane people watching.
3 blogs you can’t live without?
Fabulous K, Aspiring Kennedy, and style/SWOON… all Southern Bloggers!
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How gorgeous is this scarf? I’m so ready for fall (I’m also obviously in denial that it’s 100 degrees outside. This would be a great way to dress up jeans and a plain white tee, too!
Photo: Life Magazine via Google Archives
Happy Friday! Did this week fly by for anyone else? I’m so happy it’s the weekend…I’m off to Delaware to spend a fun weekend with dear friends at the beach. Before I go, I just want to share some of my favorite posts from the blogosphere this week:
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own digital magazine? If so, you might be very excited to hear about a new project I’m working on…email me at southernflourish@gmail.com for deets.
xoxo,
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.
{photo via rare and beautiful treasures}
Hi everyone, Kate here. Just a quick note to wish you a happy Friday! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. In case you missed any of this week’s posts, here they are:
Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
