Creating A Cozy Space with Serena & Lily

Switching up my favorite little nook with the help of an amazing rattan daybed
Filed Under > Get The Look

Styling a daybed, Waiting On Martha Styling a daybed, Waiting On Martha rattan daybed styling, Waiting On Martha Styling a daybed, Waiting On Martha rattan daybed styling, Waiting On Martha

I’ve always been a fan of the daybed, and as of late daybeds are showing up everywhere in the home.  Outdoor space, add a daybed.  Nursery, add a daybed. Breakfast nook, add a daybed.  Plus they’re chicer than ever.  Take for example this Avalon rattan daybed from Serena and Lily.  When I first spied it I knew I had to find a space for it.  That space turned out to be my sitting room in my bedroom.

Let’s pause right here to discuss something for perspectives sake.  When you read the sentence above you probably thought, if I have a sitting room in my bedroom then my home must be quite spacious.  Not exactly.  My home is great, but it’s not a McMansion by any stretch of the imagination. For some reason when they built our home they added a sitting room to the master making it larger than our family room and dining room combined.  However, because we don’t have a basement and only a family room, I was committed to making the sitting area an actual space that was used and not just a pretty room to look at. 

Since my husband and his abnormally large television took over the family room, I naturally retreated to our bedroom.  Which was fine by me because the bedroom is, and always has been, my favorite room in every home I’ve ever lived in. I know most sleep experts would warn against it, but there’s nothing I look forward to more than cozying up in my bed with a stack of magazines, a great glass of wine, and the apple tv fired up and ready. It’s like that Drake song; “I only love my bed and my momma.” Preach Drake, preach.

Anyway, I’ve gotten off track, back to the Avalon rattan daybed.  Before the daybed entered our life I had a whole sitting area set up with two very large chairs, a coffee table and ottomans.  That worked, but over the years how I’ve used the space has changed.  Before I really only used it to watch a movie.  Now I was craving a new space I could spend my morning quiet time, work, and watch a movie when the mood hit.  And the daybed was the perfect way to make this new vision become a reality.

The chairs and coffee table went bye-bye, and the whole room shifted.  I put the Avalon rattan daybed against the wall and loaded it down with my favorite gingham sheet set and quilt from Serena and Lily plus a few throws, and a good amount of pillows. This created the perfect, and most cozy spot, to spend quiet time in the morning and movie time at night.  Because there wasn’t room for a coffee table I added an end table that can easily move around to where it’s needed most.  And lastly, I brought a small white desk up and placed it opposite the daybed. By positioning the furniture like this I maintained the square shape which helps it feel like a separate space rather than just an extension of the bedroom.

I’ve been living with this new set up for a few weeks now and I’m loving it.  And I’m not the only one, you can see that Addison has really taken to the daybed as well! Truly, MKR

Photography, Rustic White Interiors | This post was in collaboration with Serena & Lily.  A brand I love and adore.  Opinions are 100% my own.

Citrus Shrimp Cobb Salad

Mixing Up The Classic Cobb
Filed Under > 30 Minute Meals

Shrimp Cobb Salad, Waiting On Martha citrus grilled shrimp saladShrimp Cobb Salad, Waiting On Martha

I’ve never really been a salad person. Which is strange because I typically like everything that’s on a salad, just not a salad itself if that makes sense. It’s probably because the ratios are usually wrong to me. 

You see, I’m always looking for that perfect bite.  A bite that includes a little bit of warm, cold, crunchiness, softness, spice, and sweetness.  And that perfect bite is what I set out to create whenever I’m trying to transform any salad.

Today’s transformation is your classic cobb to the most flavorful shrimp cobb salad. I subbed out your standard (often bland) chicken for warm citrus grilled shrimp.  Chives for red onion and roquefort cheese for an herbed crumbled goat cheese. And lastly, instead of a red wine vinaigrette I played up the citrus from the shrimp with a cilantro and lime dressing.

These substitutions are not only crazy easy, but they’re extra flavorful.  Which you guessed it, helps to create that perfect bite.  Check out the recipe below, and let me know by tagging me on Instagram if you end up trying this shrimp cobb salad recipe for yourself! Truly, MKR

P.S. If you’re looking for more salads that are anything but boring check out my recipe index under Soups & Salads. 

Citrus Shrimp Cobb Salad
Serves 4
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. Mixed romaine and iceburg lettuce, chopped
  2. 6 pieces of bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
  3. 1 small red onion, finely diced
  4. 2 avocados, diced
  5. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
  6. 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  7. 1 cup crumbled herbed goat cheese
  8. 1 lime, juiced
  9. 1 lemon, juiced
  10. 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
  11. 1 tsp. olive oil
  12. 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  13. salt and pepper to taste
  14. dressing of your choice (I suggest a light citrus dressing)
Instructions
  1. In a sauté pan heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, lemon and lime juice, cilantro, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until done; approximately 2-3 minutes each side. Once cooked, set aside.
  2. Build your salad: lettuce, avocado, bacon, onions, cheese, tomatoes, and shrimp.
  3. Serve with dressing and enjoy!
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Photography, Rustic White

The Classics In Greenville

Suiting up in what works for a full day of exploring
Filed Under > #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

Jacket, Dress (sold out similar HERE HERE, and HERE), Shoes (similar), Bag, Phone Charging Bag Pouf, Phone Case, Earrings, Sunnies, Rings

If I’ve learned anything about fashion in my 37 years it’s that understanding what works for you is really the key to feeling and looking good. I’m not necessarily talking about honing a “signature style,” but more so about knowing what you love to wear that looks good, and reinventing that on the daily to work with your lifestyle.

My most purchased item is hands down a button down shirt.  A great button down, usually striped, is basically my every day uniform.  It’s a classic, that I can dress up or down to my liking, and feel completely comfortable in.  So when I see a button down in dress form I always snag it.  I got this one during Tory’s end of season sale, but I’ve linked a few similar versions above.

Paired with two of my other staples; a great leather jacket and oxfords, this outfit proved perfect while out and about in Greenville recently.

I’ve had these Loeffler and Randall platform oxfords for 2+ years now.  They are literally the most comfortable shoes ever, and I love the little extra height they give me.  Sadly, they are no longer making this particular style, however numerous other brands and versions have popped up as of late.  Personally, I’m considering these ones.

And a leather jacket.  Well I don’t think I need to even explain why a great leather jacket should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe.  Especially with all of the new amazing color choices.  I’ve got my eye on this exact one, but in a khaki color. And a high quality leather jacket will just kept better with time.  My All Saints moto is going on it’s 8th year! 

I’d love to know what you consider to be your closet staples? Truly, MKR
 


 

Photography, Kathryn Mcrary

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