Hello friends,A few days ago, seeking inspiration, I wondered into Barnes and Noble. I headed to the Interior Design section(of course) and ran across a new book by Jennifer Boles, author of The Peak of Chic Blog, http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com. Her new book is entitled In With The Old and is a wonderful tribute to many of the classics that I love so much!
Almost as wonderful as the book itself is the forward by the infamous Alexa Hampton, absolutely love this girl! I had the privilege of meeting Alexa while in New York for Blogfest 2012. She is really entertaining and so very intelligent and talented with all things design. 
For more about Alexa and her world of Interior Design go here.
As the cover of Jennifer's new book suggests, the inside is full of all things old but classic; black and white checkerboard floors, sunburst mirrors, needlepoint, acrylic furniture, slipper chairs, monograms and leopard print; the list goes on and on detailing each classic design element and giving us a new appreciation for it.
I love that Jennifer references the great American designers like Dorothy Draper, Billy Baldwin, Albert Hadley and Mark Hampton. For it is from these great American designers that we have all learned to appreciate the classics mentioned within her book. Each designer bringing their own style to the use of these traditional elements and delighting us all along the way.
To begin a discussion about the classic of design, you must begin with Dorothy Draper herself, the first woman to proclaim interior design as a profession. She is the epitome of great design and a pioneer in mixing things up. Take a look at a few of her rooms below. Keep in mind that she opened her business in 1923. Her design work is legendary for it's use of color and pattern and for mixing up classic, traditional elements. She steered away from "period" room design which was in those days the only way to design a room. (Period design meaning when everything in the room was essentially from the same period which was typical of the day).
Jennifer says "Classic design never goes out of style, whether in fashion(think of Audrey Hepburn's little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's) or interior decorating." She says that the secret to decorating with traditional elements is that "sometimes something old requires a little tweaking, through color, finish or scale, to transform it into something altogether new." And I couldn't agree more.
Have some fun with traditional elements and mix things up! Take it from Dorothy and Jennifer, it's more fun to mix it up and do something unexpected and at the same time honor the history of those that have gone before us. I know that that is why I do what I do; it's why I love collecting and living with vintage pieces.
I highly recommend Jennifer's new book. It's is truly a work of art in itself. And if you want to dig further into the history of the great American designers mentioned above be sure to click their names above.
Have a wonderful Saturday!
Kim
We are so excited to be open in our new location on Henderson Avenue in Dallas. It's been a dream for a long time and the dream is finally a reality. I can remember strolling and shopping on Knox-Henderson Avenues and thinking how wonderful it would be to have my store located here. I just love everything about the area and am thrilled to be a part of all that is happening here.Kim Hoegger Home Dallas is for the most part the same warm and inviting place featuring a unique collection of my vintage finds but new this time around is the addition of so many wonderful specialty vendors like Thibaut Fine Furniture, wall covering and fabric, Amy Howard At Home products, Pine Cone Hill sheeting, top of bed and fabric and DuraSupreme Cabinets for kitchen and bath. We are so very happy to be representing each of these companies within Kim Hoegger Home Dallas; each with it's own unique identity and each a major player in how we are now doing business.As many of you know, we have changed our focus and are now featuring our design services as a major part in what we offer. We just felt it was time to bring the "how" into what we are offering. "How do you do what you do?" has been a common inquiry received from customers over the years and now we are here to show you "how" to achieve the look and lifestyle of Kim Hoegger Home.How do you use antiques and vintage finds within a modern interior? We are happy to work with you and show you, and it's so much fun! How can you achieve that custom magazine look but still have your own identity within your home? We can show you and teach you how to create beautiful interiors along with hand painted pieces of furniture that you will be so proud to own.Interested in being creative and learning how to paint your own furniture? We are currently offering Amy Howard At Home product Workshops beginning Thursday, November 14, 6-9pm at our new location in Dallas. The first workshop will be a three hours hands on session and teach you how to use Amy's One Step Paint to create beautiful painted finishes on your own furniture. So much fun and so very simple to do! Workshops are $125 per person and include dinner and are limited to a very small class so that each participant will get individual attention throughout the workshop.
Ready to add a new window treatment to your living area or reupholster the sofa you have had for ten years? We an assist. We have gorgeous Thibaut fabric in our new workroom designed with your in mind. Our workroom encourages you to bring your color swatches, photographs and paint chips and have some fun dreaming and designing that special room.In the market for a new sofa or dining chairs? Thibaut Fine Furniture is the answer and it is simply divine. No shabby stuff here, only the best quality and construction from Thibaut. All kiln-dried hardwood frames, extra reinforced and blocked corners, eight-way center hand tied double coned spring base and spring down cushions on all upholstered pieces. Truly remarkable craftsmanship and quality. A Thibaut sofa or occasional chair is one you will have for generations to come. 
Thibaut FF PDF(click here for more info on Thibaut Fine Furniture and construction)
One of my favorite things about the new shoppe is the addition of DuraSupreme Cabinets! This is an amazing cabinet company with exceptional quality and customer service. I know this to be true because I have used them in my own lake home. I LOVE DuraSupreme! Some of you have seen the photo below as this is my lake house kitchen which has been published this year a couple of times(this pic is actually courtesy of Kansas City Homes & Gardens, thank you!) and is also on Houzz and the DuraSupreme website. It's truly one on my most favorite places on earth :)
I love this kitchen, truly I do and when at the lake, I spend a lot of time in it feeding 25-40 people at a time! I simply love it and am so happy we chose to use DuraSupreme.
There are so many options to choose from and we have them all in our new workroom for you to peruse. Check out the DuraSupreme website for more info on their wonderfully made cabinets.
And what can I tell you about Pine Cone Hill, it's just dreamy and so easy to work with! There are so many lovely patterns to mix and match(and you know I am all about that!). In need of sheets, they have the most amazing sheets!
![Pine Cone Hill ModMaisonette_Bedding[13326]](http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5df8c60aa4001534bca57c48/5dfc430c4ee3717bf58580a2/5dfc43754ee3717bf585a302/1576813429183/Pine-Cone-Hill-ModMaisonette_Bedding13326.jpg?format=original)
Come by and see us and let us assist you with your decorating project. We have a gorgeous collection of vintage finds too!
Here's to happy decorating and a brand new location for Kim Hoegger Home!
Sincerely,Kim
Hello all,
Long time no hear, I know, so sorry. I have been super busy gathering lovelies for the new store and we are now OPEN!! I am so excited to finally be open for business in our new Dallas location on Henderson Avenue!!
Our new address is 2933 N. Henderson Avenue, Dallas, Texas. We are next door to Sissy's(YUM) and Hibiscus(YUM) and Victor Tango(YUM), I know…we are surrounded by several of the BEST restaurants that BigD has to offer. And across the street from us is Gypsy Wagon which is AMAZING! Oh, and just down the street, also just opening is the new apparel store The Melissa Benge Collection.
This street is amazing and I am so excited to be a part of it. So many great places to eat within just a few feet! Even Fireside Pies is close! Oh and if you love French antiques, then don't miss The Whimsey Shoppe just a few doors down and Nick Brock too! Make it a day trip and have some lunch with friends and do some power shopping! So much to see on this street!
We're up to our same old tricks and collecting gorgeous vintage pieces from architectural and industrial to shabby chic and refined elegance, we have it all and it's all mixed up! This time however, we are introducing a few new partners; Thibaut Fine Furniture, wall covering and fabric, Amy Howard Paint and Furniture finishes, Dura Supreme Cabinets and more. And if you are in the need of design services, we are full service in that area too; entire house, new house, guest house, lake house or even if you just need to reupholster the sofa or add a fresh new look with drapery, we can assist. Come on over and play in the fabric room where you can take an up close and personal look at Thibaut Fabric and wall covering, see the Amy Howard paint samples and door samples for Dura Supreme Cabinets.
We are excited to be in the Dallas area and looking forward to many great things to come. Have a wonderful weekend!
Come by and see us!
Sincerely,
Kim
My dear sweet niece introduced me to Jen Hatmaker yesterday and I already love this woman! I read through her blog this morning and I laughed out loud the entire time. I could so relate to exactly what she is going through with the end of school! She is so funny!Her blog post yesterday was about the challenges of getting through the end of school, the last few weeks and how we all have just had all we can take. It's a must read!I surfed around her site and ran across her books and then watched a video of her latest book entitled "7 - An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess". I was immediately intrigued. Over the past few years I have felt that my family lives in excess. I mean, we throw away so much trash, and if something breaks we just buy a new one?!? Why does my daughter have 30 plus pair of shoes and still think she doesn't have enough?(and I am guilty as well, lol). Why do we use water bottles, seriously, what happened to water from the tap(filtered, of course)? For my family any way, excess is something that needs to be addressed and has been on my heart for awhile now. So this book was an answer to prayer.
Watch the video here:7 An Experimental Mutiny in Excess...pretty cool concept. I wonder if I can do it???(WE) 
How about you? Are there areas in your where you are living in excess? It's something to think about anyway. What can you do without or lesson? When I look around my house I see so many areas of our lives that could be better managed. And that's just it; it's not about giving it all away, it's just about taking some time to manage our lives a little more sensibly. I love the concept and it feels so good to know I can at least make an attempt with the help of Jen's book and with lots of help from the good Lord above :) I have a feeling I am gonna need it!Have a great Friday!XOXOKim
Today I took the day off to clear my mind and just hang out. When I need some "me" time, I like to visit friends and shop. So, I did just that. I headed over to Rockwall and visited with some of my friends in the local shops. I had a great time seeing friends that I haven't seen in awhile. We talked about family and caught up on all the "goings on". A lot of time was spent answering the question "what are you doing now and why did you close your store?".I always thought I would own a "home" store...and I have a couple of times...but I just cant seem to make it work monetarily and it's frustrating to me as a creative that is really passionate about her work. I LOVE all of the behind the scenes stuff that goes into a store like the hunting and gathering of merchandise from antiques to bright new finds, and creating lovely vignettes with the new found treasures. I really LOVE that stuff and I miss it when I am not doing it. Like right now, I feel sort of lost without my store because I really think it's who I am and where I do my best work. BUT...it's a business and businesses have to make money or they're just a hobby, (I keep hearing this over and over in my head). It's the darnedest thing that I actually have to make money running a store, it just takes the fun right out of it! LOL
In the past six months, I have started teaching design workshops and they are really going well; all good things take time :) I am looking positively down the road when every class will be full.(help me spread the word). I am really looking forward to filling every seat in the Fall with my brand new "hands on" workshop featuring "Amy Howard One Step Paint". It's going to be so much fun! For more information go here. I will also be retailing all of the Amy Howard Paint and Refinishing products and can hardly wait to receive them in the studio! So look for the studio to be open a few days a week this Fall so that you can get your hands on this great new line of furniture paint and refinishing products and sign up for all of the upcoming workshops!Back to the business of my store, when I think about Kim Hoegger HOME, I see a lifestyle, I always have and it seemed to come so naturally to me. I see a very simple way of living life and I want to share that with others but, the hard part is determining how to translate that lifestyle into a store that actually makes a profit so that it can continue to inspire it's followers? I am determined to find the answer to this question as I really feel a retail store is where I am suppose to be. For now, I am praying about the future and how God wants to use me to share these gifts with others. I know he has a plan and I am content waiting on it to be revealed. :)
For those of you that might be considering a retail store, here are a couple of things I have learned over the years. I hope you will find them helpful:1. Golden Rule No. 1 - You always hear "Location, Location, Location". And it's true...location and demographics have everything to do with the success of a retail store. It has been my experience that a demographic area will dictate a store's merchandise over time, like it or not. I can say that with the grandest of confidence because I have experienced it in my own businesses over and over again. A store will evolve to fill the needs of the area if it is to survive; a restaurant that sells French Cuisine in an area that only wants hot dogs won't survive very long unless it introduces hot dogs to the menu. It's just the way things work!My passion is in antique and vintage furniture and accessories. I am not someone who desires to have a gift store as gifts tend to clutter the tops of my furniture which in turn doesn't sell because no one can see it! LOL. Time and time again my stores have evolved into stores full of gifts because that's what customers in the area were buying and I had to pay the bills. Demographics and location will determine what sells in your store. It's just how it goes. If you open a store in a town where customers tend to shop for apparel and gifts, it's going to be tough to sell furniture. It's just a fact, take your idea where it will sell and save yourself the headache.2. Golden Rule No. 2 - Whatever you think it will cost you to open your store, triple or quadruple it. Seriously, it will take way more than you think to start a retail store and keep it running for the first two years, possibly three. And if you are planning on taking a pay check from the business, well...you may need to be the ONLY one working there because there will be very little extra income initially to pay anyone. It takes time to build a following and to get to know your crowd and a new store requires that most of the money goes back in to the store the first couple of years. Again, it's just a fact.3. Golden Rule No. 3 - Don't over buy at Market - it's soooo easy to do! You do not need 24 of anything except maybe Christmas ornaments but even then be careful because you lose money if you have to sell it on the half price table! Keep your inventory low unless you have determined that you have a "best seller" on your hands; a word to the wise, trends come and go, nothing lasts forever. The life cycle of a trend these days is really short due to online exposure. Keep the minimum on hand and special order if need be. Customers are growing more and more accustomed to waiting on special order products. Don't be afraid to have them wait and don't be afraid to be out of something. In retail, supply and demand is the name of the game and if you "always" have stock, your customer may not feel the need to purchase as often but if they know you only have three...you get the picture :)4. Golden Rule No. 4 - Customer service and satisfaction should be of utmost importance because without it, you won't last. No one can please everyone all the time but you should try, lol, no seriously, try :)Retail is a service business - and if you are not in it to "SERVE OTHERS" then you do not need to be in retail. That does not mean that you operate without policies and procedures, you must have those in place to protect all involved, but try and look at the business of retail as a "service" to others and think about how you would like to be treated if you were your customer. Happy customers who feel you care will be your greatest advertisement. Be sincere and have integrity too, it all comes back to you I promise :)You would think that with all of this knowledge of "how to operate a retail store" I would still have mine...DEMOGRAPHICS and LOCATION...I tell you, DEMOGRAPHICS and LOCATION are everything in retail.
Probably not another retail store by typical retail standards anyway. I will open Kim Hoegger HOME - The Studio, in the Fall of 2013 with Amy Howard Furniture Paint and Refinishing Products to sell, along with a few other "rare finds" (but no gifts, lol) and continue to offer design and creative workshops. However, I can't see trying to do Kim Hoegger HOME - The Retail Store as I have presented it before in my current location because I simply do not want to sell gifts and apparel and that particular demographic dictates gifts and apparel. I have a passion for French furniture, gorgeous belgium linen, tole painted trays and trashcans, alabaster lamps, vintage garden urns and statuary...and that's the lifestyle that I want to spend time creating and inspiring others to live. I will open Kim Hoegger HOME - Antiques and Interiors somewhere soon but I have yet to find the perfect place. When I do, you will be the first to know I promise! :)
XOXO,Kim
Over the course of the past year, I have been lucky enough to have taken part in a wonderful blog called Good Morning Girls and I LOVE it! It brings me so much JOY and comfort.
I love that there are women in the world who think like me, believe like me and trust in the one and only God to move in their daily lives just like me; it's truly comforting to know we are all in this crazy life together and share our love for the Lord our God. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a great group of women.I feel led to share this with each of you so that you too may be blessed by the work these beautiful women are doing everyday. Click the link above and check out the website, it's beautiful and so very inspiring.I am so excited about their upcoming Summer Bible Study, "Anything", by Jennie Allen. I can hardly wait for it to start! Watch this video below and meet Jennie. She will warm your heart :) (and maybe bring tears to your eyes like she did to mine :) Her message speaks loud and clear to me at this time in my life. It reassures me that I am on the right path and that all things happen for the greater good when we trust God to direct our lives. Enjoy the video! And I hope you join us for the amazing Summer Bible Study "Anything" by Jennie Allen.Jennie Allen 
XOXO,Kim
I am so very blessed that is for sure!! A few weeks ago while at High Point Market, I happened upon Amy Howard giving a demonstration of her new and very exciting paint collection! What amazing products she and her hubby Gene have created. And the really cool part of the story is that these are the very products that they have been using for years to create the beautiful pieces known so well from Amy Howard Home today. Now...it's available to you!(and me, so excited).
I say that I am blessed because as things worked out, I was able to acquire the line for my area and will now be able to bring all of the wonderful products to you! From her incredible "One Step" Paint to the Antique Mirror Kit and Dust of the Ages, these products rock!!! You will be able to create your own gorgeous painted furniture with the ease of only one step and create an antique looking mirror from one you have hanging around the house or one you can purchase at Hobby Lobby. I know...crazy fun stuff right?
Imagine being able to create pieces like these below. I can hardly wait to get started myself :) And in just a few weeks, I will be traveling to Nashville to do just that! I will be attending Amy's workshop created especially for retailers. Amy will be teaching us all the tricks of the trade so that we can bring it back to you and you can create gorgeous furniture too!
I know what you are thinking...has Kim lost her mind? I will never be to create something as beautiful as these! YES YOU CAN and YOU WILL! I will be there to instruct you every step of the way. You will be amazed at what you can do with Amy's paint products. From "One Step" Paint to her famous Toscana Paint and oh, the new high gloss furniture lacquer in a can! You will LOVE this one! It's as easy as it sounds, lacquer in a spray can. Now you will be able to get that professional finish in one afternoon for the cost of a can of spray paint!
In August, I will be teaching my first Amy Howard "One Step" Paint Workshop at my studio in Rockwall, Texas. Each participant will leave with their very own piece completed. Doesnt that sound amazing? Does that sound like something you are interested in doing?
The Workshop will be held on Saturday, August 10, 9am-2:30pm with a 1.5 hr break for lunch.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
There will be only ten spaces available so that each of the participants will get plenty of personal attention.
Workshop Cost $195.00
Includes the following:
Four hours of "hands on" instruction from Kim
One can of One Step Paint in your color choice
3)paint brushes
One can clear furniture wax
One can dark furniture wax
One pad of gold leaf
(Total for all supplies above $85.00)
Reserve your place in the Workshop today and receive a discount of 10%.
I am offering this today because I believe this is one of the most amazing product lines I have ever seen and I know you will love it! Reserve your spot today!
You will be so glad you did and so proud of yourself when you see what you are able to create. :)
Join me in August, Sign up today!
Send me an email and I will send you all the details and put you on the list!
kim@kimhoeggerhome.com
You wont believe what you will be able to do!
XOXO,
Kim
It's no secret that I am happiest when digging around at a flea market or antique fair, estate sale or an old dusty attic. I LOVE antiques! From chipped and rusted to refined and extremely valuable, I love them all and most of all, love the fact that they have been loved before I ever laid eyes on them. Being able to rescue a piece of vintage furniture, accessory or collectible means a lot to me. Sometimes I buy something just because I feel like it's too valuable to leave it behind. I want it to have a good home :)One of my recent "Rare Finds" was an American Victorian Gilt/Pink Velvet Tufted Sofa. I discovered it in a local estate sale and it had me at "hello". I couldnt believe someone hadnt already purchased it! Perfect condition, beautiful velvet and amazing gilt detailing. I was thrilled to add it to my collection of "Rare Finds".Isnt it amazing??? I love it so very much! And, for me, it's just perfect the way it is, I wouldnt change a thing! But if pink is not your thing, maybe you can imagine it in a trendy new fabric by Mary McDonald or maybe a Belgian linen. Anyway you cover it, it's a beautiful piece and now available through Kim Hoegger HOME $2295.00 plus sales tax and shipping
Isnt she lovely?
XOXO,
Kim
Hello all,A very dear friend of mine asked me to assist her in bringing together , mason jars, burlap, blush, cream and gray(the color of the tux her fiancé has chosen). She has chosen to use burlap and mason jars on the table(a combination I LOVE) and I am so excited to help her pull all of this together! I think all of her elements will work beautifully together. 
Photos ashleyelizabethae.wordpress.com
LOVE this photo! This bouquet definitely brings your color palette together Ashley! I believe the gray leaves may be a variety of the Lamb's Ear plant; one of my favorites :)
Adding burlap to some of the mason jars would be pretty too! And I love adding other rustic elements to the table. Mixing soft and rustic textures makes for a very inviting table.
I love the runner on the table as an additional place to add color and texture. If lace is not your thing, try a gray satin runner or even a blush color. And I love the adding a touch of gray to the arrangements.
The burlap shown in the arrangement above would be a creative addition to your mason jar table top arrangements!
What about adding a little gray somewhere on your gown? I love this gray satin sash on this Bride's gown!
Gray table runner? Beautiful :)
Photos Snippet & Ink
Gray straws? I think these are adorable and would be a charming addition to drinks on the table or the buffet line!
This is stunning. Simple elegance. All that is needed here to have this table incorporate gray is a little touch of gray Lamb's ear to the floral arrangements.
Photos www.storyboardwedding.com/tag/burlap-lace/
Hope this helps Ashley! Let me know if you need more inspiration, happy to help! XOXO
Hi friends,I am in sunny Orlando, FL today attending the Monetize Your Message Conference with Fabienne and Derek Frederickson. And it is sooo amazing!!!!!! I have already learned so much! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful event!! Hugs to Fabienne and Derek and everyone attending the event as well as the Westin Hotel! My reason for this quick little blog post today is to let you know that Kim Hoegger Home is guest blogging on House of Turquoise today! So much fun!!! So, if you love blues of all shades and great design, take a moment and head over to HOT and check out my latest project! XOXO, Have a wonderful day,Kim
Back in February, I was priviledged to be the Guest of Honor of VERANDA Magazine for the VERANDA Designer Visions 2012 Event. What an honor to be in the presence of Creative Director, Carolyn Englefield and Designer, Antony Todd. What a night it was!! It was magical :)
Having never attended an event of this kind, I wasnt sure what to expect and I was blown away. From the moment I checked in to the Tribeca Grand Hotel until I departed, every moment was top notch and far exceeded anything I could have dreamt it could be. It moves me to tears of joy even today when I think about it. It was a dream come true :)
As an Interior Designer, you dream of being a part of the major shelter magazines; VERANDA, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Traditional Home...these are the Matriarchs of the publishing industry and you feel as if you will have "arrived" if one day you are priviledged enough, and have worked hard enough to be a part of their world; it's like the icing on the cake, the cherry on top of a career in the Interior Design industry.
How did I land such an amazing honor you ask? I was the lucky winner of a raffle held during the NYC Blogfest Tour(Sponsored by Hearst and Kravet) last May!! Yes, that's right, the stars aligned and I was the lucky winner of a simple raffle ticket!! I still can't believe it! Thank you LORD :) I KNOW where my blessings come from.
So there I was at the Tribeca Grand Hotel(which was a magical experience all on it's own) and ready to go at 5:30pm as I had been directed. At 5:30 sharp the towncar pulled up and opened the door for me(I felt like Cinderella).
A few blocks later the driver pulled up in front of a beautiful building at 250 West Street, NYC. WOW!!! What a gorgeous building with a heart stopping view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty!! Oh my goodness....who lives like this?
The scene was like something out of the movies...beautifully dressed guests streaming in and out of the tall glass doors, red carpet...truly magical. I walked the red carpet and entered the tall glass doors to be greeted by several very friendly and impeccably dressed gentlemen who took my coat and directed me to wait as my "person" was not available as of yet. I was happy to wait as the activity in the lobby was very interesting and exciting. So many beautiful New Yorkers and their lovely black apparel. I loved watching them and the time passed quickly.
When I noticed the time again, I realized that I was late getting upstairs with still no sign of my "person" so, in true "Kim" fashion, I took it upon myself to find my own way to where I was supposed to be. I headed over to the elevator and did exactly what everyone else was doing, lol. I asked for the fifth floor and when the elevator door opened....all I can say is that it was like I stepped into a movie...busy, beautiful, magical. I think I may have stood there a minute or two in pure bliss as I watched what was going on around me...when I came too, lol, I set out to find Carolyn Englefield and when I did she was as lovely as I remembered her to be(I met her in Dallas a few months earlier). So very beautiful, welcoming, kind and gracious :) She introduced me to Antony Todd, the designer chosen by VERANDA to design their apartment for the event. He was equally as kind and gracious, not to mention extremely talented and handsome.
We toured the apartment together and it was breath taking. Each room more lovely than the next. Antony did an incredible job. They offered me food and wine which was deliciously displayed in the dining room and kitchen area of the apartment. I can't begin to describe the beauty of this space. Pictures are worth a thousand words so here is a video produced by VERANDA.
VERANDA Designer Visions Video
What a magical evening...I couldnt have been more thrilled to have been a part of such a wonderful event and it was truly a dream come true for me. Words couldnt describe how gracious and kind Carolyn and Antony were to me, I felt so at home and like I was truly part of the event. They both made sure to include me in everything that evening, even the red carpet photos...I am a lucky girl!!! XOXO VERANDA
A special "thank you" to VERANDA for including me in such an amazing and beautifully orchestrated event. I am truly honored and so very thankful to have been your Guest of Honor. Carolyn and Antony could not have been more gracious and welcoming and made my evening with VERANDA a night I will never forget.
Thank you both so very much.
XOXO,
Kim
What a wonderful weekend it has been in Roundtop, Texas! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect time spent with my precious family.
So nice to have them all together; that's hard to do these days! We enjoyed each other so much.
Shopping for treasures, eating at Royers and playing Apples to Apples and Guess Who until way past my bedtime!
This morning the girls made Easter bunny cupcakes and Kelli led us in a sunrise service(which we postponed until 9:30 am).
My family headed back today and I stayed on to continue my treasure hunting. Tomorrow I start the day with early morning shopping and then a Blogger's Lunch at Royers! Yippee! I am so looking forward to that!
Stayed tuned for more from Roundtop, Texas!
XOXO,
Kim
I have something to share with you that you are going to love!!! I ran across it today while blog surfing and I am so excited!
Click the banner below to go to EMeals!
I simply can't wait to get started with this fun, new tool! Each week EMeals will send me a menu plan complete with recipes AND a shopping list!! Can you believe it? All I have to do is go to the grocery store and prepare the meal!! I can handle that! It's spending the time to plan and dream up menus that drives me crazy and then of course, procrastination sets in and I just dont do anything at all, lol.
And, you get to select the type of meal plan you want too! Like gluten-free, low carb, clean eating, etc. Plenty of meal plans to choose from and you can even add a breakfast and lunch menu if you like. Such a great tool, wish I had thought of it!!
I downloaded my menus for this week and next right away and even included breakfast and lunch. So very cool!
Let me know what you think about it! And if you decide to try it, let me know how it's working for you! We can compare notes :)
Have a great weekend!! I am off to RoundTop, Texas, yippee!!
Kim
This is a reallly neat idea and I am so excited to get started with it! Click the link above and check out the website. I think you will see it's really a cool tool and will make your life so much easier.
I get asked a lot, how many kids I have, and I think it's because I talk about my kids all the time :) When I say four, people are taken back. They look at me like I am crazy and say "What?? You have four kids?" And then the next question that follows is "How old are you?" When I say 49, a conversation follows that begins with "what is your secret?".
There is no secret, I am a simple girl and my routine is plain and simple too...I eat clean and drink a lot of water. I exercise when I feel like it(not as often as I should) and I try to be as positive as I can as often as I can thus eliminating stress which really makes us look old.
I take good care of my skin and practice a healthy facial cleansing regime morning and night(that's another post altogether). I dont get a lot of sun these days and definitely stay away tanning beds.
The most important of all of these things that I do is to eat clean and drink a lot of good quality water.
Clean eating means that you eat only those things that are clean; without chemicals and nothing that has been processed or at least very minimally processed. Essentially, fresh fruit, veggies, gluten free breads and crackers, fish, eggs and organic meat. I have been feeding my family this way for 20 years. For some reason, probably chaotic schedules, I fall off the wagon from time to time but always go back to this most beneficial way of eating. My body loves me for it and responds with health and a youthful appearance. Tis true that you are what you eat my friend!! It is also true that you are what you think about but that's another post for another day :)
Tiffany, author of The Gracious Pantry blog, does a great job of teaching others about clean eating and how to achieve it. She also has many wonderful recipes on her blog! Check it out!
Water...pure water, free of chemicals, sugar and sweeteners, is best for you and will do wonders for your body as well as your complexion. It cleanses and removes toxins and keeps your body hydrated. All important in a youthful appearance and healthy body.
I wont say it's always easy because it isnt and if your schedule is anything like mine, and you have to be on the road alot, it's tough to make good choices. I try and stick to a salad(being mindful of the dressing) and a grilled chicken sandwich(I usually remove the bread because of the gluten). It sounds hard doesnt it? But after awhile, you get used to it and you feel great; that's what allows me to continue...I feel great and I see the results.
For today, just try to drink more water and celebrate yourself when you do. It's a simple way to celebrate doing something good for your body and it's so easy. If you are feeling more adventurous and want to try something different, try these simple recipes for infused water and let me know what you think! I would love to hear from you. I cant wait to try them myself!
Have a great day and drink lots of water! Oh, and there is always the occasional weekend in RoundTop, Tx where I indulge in pie and ding dongs:) It's all about balance! For more good recipes on clean eating and lots more on interiors check out my boards on Pinterest.
XOXO
Kim
Artful Blogging by Stampington and Co. is the reason I started blogging many years ago.
One day while at Barnes and Noble, one of my all-tme favorite places in my world, I ran across a copy of Artful Blogging. I was in love with the magazine at first glance. It is such a beautiful magazine. The paper is exquisite, the photography is stunning and the writing from bloggers all of the world in so very inspiring. I was hooked. I felt in my heart that I had to blog. I had no idea what to write about but I knew it would come. What a beautiful world the magazine had invited me into and I didnt want to leave.
In my quest this year for authenticity, I am returning to that place with grand intention. I am returning to my love of blogging and rediscovering my soul. I am allowing myself time to reminisce and I am finding that joy that I had when I first began to blog and that is the way it should be.
If you are interested in blogging, now or someday, pick up a copy of Artful Blogging. I think you will find that it is truly inspiring.
XOXO,
Kim
Oh my goodness...I am giddy! Two more days and I will be on my way to Antique Heaven with my most amazing hubby and all four of my kids! Yes, this time we are ALL going(whether they like it or not, lol).
Since the RoundTop Antiques Fair falls during Easter weekend, Steve and I were perplexed about our trip. Generally, we take the trip ourselves as it falls around our Anniversary but this year, it falls on Easter. We LOVE being around our kids and spending time with them so to miss being with them on Easter really wasnt an option for us. We concluded that we would just have to return on Saturday evening and cut the trip short. UNTIL...I realized, duh, that my high schoolers would be out of school on Friday. Yippee!! SO NOW, we are all going to RoundTop for Easter weekend(whether they like it our not and they are already complaining, ha)! Dont you love it when they complain :)
I KNOW they are going to have a great time and it will be so great to be all together. We may even take a drive over to College Station and see the Blinn and A&M campuses.
For sure we will be indulging them in ROYERS CAFE and PIE HAVEN!! Our two most favorite places! RoundTop is not RoundTop without ROYERS and PIE HAVEN. Tara and Bud rock the food world in that part of the country!
I cannot wait to get a piece of Butterscotch Tollhouse Pie from Tara and have a bowl of Micah's Pasta and the infamous garden salad with homemade blue cheese dressing at Bud's! OMG!!! I am so ready!
Steve always opts for the "OMG Steak" and the Stuffed Quail both of which are absolutely amazing!!! Oh and the infamous creamed corn(to die for). He also goes for the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie :) It will be interesting to see what each of the kids pick as their new favorite. They love food too and they are all very excited to get to eat with Bud and Tara. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the amazing Chicken Margarita Pie at Pie Haven. Oh my goodness!!! It is so delicious! And the coffee...OH AND the giant ding dongs, Lordy, Lordy! I have already gained 5 pounds just thinking about everything!!
Arent these divine?? Wait until you have one...OMG! Better than a Hostess Ding Dong!
So stayed tuned for some family pics and lots and lots of pics from RoundTop, Texas. It's going to be a great trip(whether they like it or not!)
XOXO,
Kim
Several years ago, I started blogging. It was at a time in my life where I was bored, I wanted something to do, something to engage in and I hoped that if I started writing I would inspire those that happened to read my blog.
I feel certain that most days I was lucky enough to accomplish this task and I really enjoyed the process. Even if my hubby thought I was ridiculous for posting to no one, haha, and he couldnt understand why I would want to spend my time doing something so weird.
Fast forward several years and I am still blogging. Engaging with my readers and hopefully still inspiring them as we go along.
I realized today or well, I have been noticing over the past year that I have been somewhat distracted with my blogging. With the changes I made in my business a year and a half ago, my blog changed too. I didnt find the time to write like I had been previously and frankly, I just wasnt sure what to write about.
With Interior Design being my business, I felt it was expected of me to write about Interior Design and all things related. But the truth is...I have found that to be really hard to do. Primarily because there are so many design blogs out there that do such a great job...what else is there to say??
And with Pinterest now, who needs more pictures of interiors? I have honestly been a little stumped to tell you the truth. So, most days, I dont write anything at all.
In my search this year for my authentic self, I have discovered that what I do best and what I think I should be doing are two differnt things entirely. THAT is precisely why it has been so difficult for me to create blog posts! If you arent being authentic, it just simply doesnt work. It's impossible really.
SO, here's to authenticity and finally realizing the power in who I am versus who I think I should be :) Here's to blogging and writing authentically and from the heart which so many of you appreciate.
XOXO,
Kim
Hello friends,
Just a quick note while awaiting my flight back to DFW.
My daughter and I traveled to Indy over the weekend for her to participate in the Nike Midwest Volleyball Tournament.
What a great downtown area! I have never seen anything quite like it. Multiple hotels, a Convention Center, a shopping mall and restaurants galore all joined together by skywalks!! Such an incredible concept developed by White Lodging and with the weather being what it was, we were happy to be able to walk inside wherever we needed to go. Hats off to White Lodging!
We stayed at the JW Marriott and it was a wonderful experience. Great customer service, really comfy beds and the food was divine! Our favorite was Osteria Pronto. Executive Master Chef Baglio Rino is brilliant. The best Eggplant Parmesan I have ever eaten in my life! It was truly as beautiful as it was delicious. My girlfriend has the Calamari and I have to say, I have never seen Calamari look that amazing...wish I had a taken a photo for you but I was in food Heaven and could only think of food!
With all the restaurants close by, we dined at Osteria Pronto three times and even ordered "to go" once because my daughter was increased with their spaghetti. Last night she ordered the filet and said it was the "best" steak she had ever eaten; and this girl eats a lot of steak.
If you are headed to Indy, I highly recommend the JW Marriott and Osterio Pronto. Both are exceptional experiences. Congrats to Indy for this wonderful concept too!
Oh, and as for Volleyball, it was great too! The girls played some of the best VB They have played this year and had a great tournament. Great job girls!
Well, time to board for DFW. Have a great Monday!
Kim
Hello all,
Just a quick note to share with you some very exciting news! We are featured on the wonderful blog House of Turquoise today! So very honored :)
Be sure to leave Erin a comment on her lovely blog!
We bloggers love your comments as they inspire us to keep on writing and bringing you lovely images.
It makes our day to hear from you!
Check out Tobi Fairley's blog too(and leave a comment please). KHH was featured there yesterday for our Pinterest board "At Home with Kim Hoegger".
Thanks Team Tobi!!
It's been a very exciting week for KHH and it makes my day to be able share it with all of you! Thank you for your continued support of KHH!!
XOXO, Kim
