Author: nataliya

interior designer, dreamer, nature lover, wife. my goal is not to just transform spaces, but to also transform lives. (photo credit: VIE Magazine *I did not take this photo, but I did participate on this project)

Red Bud Isle: where dogs (and people) roam free

Over the weekend, Nate & I spent the day in Austin.  After getting some lunch and meeting up for a short shopping stint with my Aunt & cousin, we wanted to kill a couple of hours… but didn’t have any clue of what we wanted to do.  So we drove.  I pulled out my phone and was like “let’s go here” and pointed to some random island near Lake Austin.  So it was completely by chance that we stumbled upon Red Bud Isle.

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As soon as we parked (which FYI, parking is limited), we soon figured out this place was devoted to man’s best friend.  Basically it’s an island where dogs can roam free, off leash.  (Unfortunately, we didn’t have our little furball with us, but we plan on bringing her sometime soon.)

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There’s lots of random paths and trails. Totally not uncommon to just see dogs chasing each other through the woods.

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So serene.

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This was my favorite spot.  At the very tip of the island, there is a tree and all of it’s roots are exposed.

tree at red bud trail

My favorite picture.  Sigh.

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Of course I had to add some pictures of our furry friends we met.

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This dog below is Sidney. She’s 14. What a doll.  I can only wish I look that good at 98.

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So if you and your pup are looking for a fun time in Austin, I suggest you go check it out.  Because of the terrain, don’t be surprised if your pooch gets wet and/or muddy.

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(All of the pictures belong to me.  If you would like to use, just ask – and share my blog with your friends too of course!)

belgian chic with a dose of color

Believe it or not, I’m finally going through my insanely huge stack of magazine subscriptions from 2012… and I just came across this project in the September Color Issue of House Beautiful.

I’m loving the large light fixtures, crisp white, natural textures, and pops of color.  I’m also loving the fact that my Verellen Thibaut sofa is center stage in this shot.  (Mine is a much smaller size!)

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Verellen is like the Mercedes-Benz of slipcovered furniture.  It just doesn’t get much better. I’m talking quality linen fabrics straight from Belgium. Each frame is handcrafted in a way that is stylish, comfortable and “sexy” as owner Tom Verellen would put it. (I met Tom a couple of years back when I was at Pizitz, and he’s a character!)

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  When I lived in Florida, I worked in a shop in Seaside that looked practically identical to this pic.   That being said, if you ever go to Seaside,  you have to stop in Pizitz Home & Cottage!

Verellen chair

I’m a fan of the bold orange.  It gives the space life.

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Classic.

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DIY idea:  stitch a large square of fabric and either drape on a wall or wrap a canvas with it to create a simple yet striking piece of art.

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Adding darker tones gives this space a more formal feel.

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This palette is soothing.  Ahhh I could totally relax here.

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This awesome project was designed by Kay Douglass, who owns the lovely  South of Market design shop in Atlanta.

(Image Credit:  House Beautiful)

2013: goals and resolutions

To some, New Year’s Resolutions may be lame.  But you know what?  I love them.  I love anything that allows me to reflect and grow.  So here is my list.

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Listen to myself for once

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have developed a habit of drowning myself out.  Somehow, deep down, I think we all really know what’s best for us.  I have lived pretty “safe” the last few years…maybe to protect myself from getting hurt or because of a fear of failure.  But I’m determined to give that up, and have some faith instead. Which leads me to the next item on the list….

wake up and live

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Be more spiritual

I want to become more spiritually connected.  Getting caught up in the 9 to 5, day-to-day routine has been robbing me of so many things.   Focusing my thoughts toward inner peace and a higher power will ultimately reduce my stress level and make life more gratifying.  It takes discipline, but I think I can get there.

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Own my own piece of the earth

This is a semi-big deal announcement….we have been taking the beginning steps to purchase a home!  Our searches began back in November.  With the interest rates low and our love for this lil town growing, we decided we want to stay put here for a while.  Texas has been good to us so far.  My nomadic self thinks about where our next big move will be….but realistically I’m sick of paying someone else’s mortgage and can’t see ourselves anywhere else right now.

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Go to Europe

This has been on my list for years, and I REALLY hope I finally make this one happen.  My dad is European (Bulgarian to be exact) and travels often between Europe and USA.  Practically every summer since I graduated high school, he has been trying to get me to make the trip.  I’ve never been across the pond, and every summer there seems to be some reason I put it off.   Plus, I really want to go before I pop out a kid!

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Run a 5k

For those who know me very well, you know my small frame is a total hoax.  I don’t eat very good (aka cheeseburgers and pizza), and I don’t work out on regular basis.  Running a mile is very hard for me (not sure I could do it today without stopping to walk).  Every year I set this very attainable goal and fail miserably.  Well I’m putting it to rest – this is the year I finally run my first race!

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Learn how to use my camera

I’ve had my Canon Rebel for a little over a year now, and you’d think I’d be at pro status by now.  Not so much.  I understand photography – I took manual photography classes back in high school – but I don’t set aside the time to learn how to be really good at it.  Now’s the time.

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Live a healthier lifestyle

As stated above, I’m not the most healthiest of individuals.  I want to start eating better and being more active.  Being healthy is so much more than a number on a scale – it’s a whole way of life.

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Develop & maximize my unique talents

I’ve realized for so long I haven’t made time to do things I’m really good at.   Each one of us is so different… yet so many of us never take the time to refine the skills that set us apart from the rest.  These I think life is too short to waste these wonderful talents God has given us.

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If there was one thing you could accomplish this year, what would it be?

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(All of the images link back to their original source, if known)