Emily's Guest Room :: Before

My friend Emily reached out to me when Maeci and I first started our blog saying that she had a really great blog post idea - for us to redo her guest room!  We totally jumped at the chance - getting to see an awesome friend + decorating = WIN WIN!

Emily's house is this adorable historic home in Birmingham in the Crestwood neighborhood that was built in the 1920s.  It has a cozy front porch, little scalloped wood detail in the kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, the original stove (it's amazing) and all the quintessential details of a home built during that time.  

So let's get down to the nitty gritty details of the before photos!

 

I hear that bad before pictures (photographers fault, not home owners fault) make for reallyyyy great after photos.  That's just what I've heard.  We're really excited to get started and have this room guest-ready.  We'll be posting updates on the room as we go, and I'm in the midst of putting together a mood board and sending a few items to Emily to choose from!

MeetMontgomery: Wicks & Willow + Giveaway!

First, we want to say THANK YOU to everyone for spreading the word about Z+M and helping us reach 300+ Facebook likes!  We are simply blown away by the love and support! So, now that we've said thank you...we want to show you gratitude with a giveaway!

This is our first post in a new series we're calling MeetMontgomery where we'll be featuring local business owners right here in Montgomery.

Our first MeetMontgomery interview is with Melissa Warnke who some of you locals may recognize as a reporter/morning anchor for WSFA 12 News, but she also owns and operates Wicks & Willow where she makes stunning candles set in vintage tea cups and mason jars.  Aren't they gorgeous?!

Melissa and her husband Adam both grew up in Cullman, Alabama (where they were high school sweethearts!), attended Auburn University and now live in Montgomery with their two adorable yellow lab/cocker spaniel mixes, Abbi and Cami (who are the sweetest pups).

Here are a few interview questions to help you get to know Melissa!

Z+M: Tell us a little about what Wicks & Willow is and what you offer?

Melissa: Wicks and Willow is a hand-poured soy candle collection I started in July 2012 specializing in tea cup candles and mason jar candles. I also offer a really unique refill program. Customers can bring their own cups, jars or containers to me and I can make it into a candle for them.  That has been one of my favorite things.  People have brought me pieces of their grandmother’s china or their wedding china to make into candles.  It’s a way for them to enjoy and display those pieces, rather than just having them stored away in a cabinet.  Because I use all natural soy wax, it doesn’t harm the container.  The refill program also applies to candles purchased from me in the past; I can refill that same container. 

Z+M: Where did the you get the idea to start Wicks & Willow? 

Melissa: That is a question I get asked all the time!  It actually was not planned at all. I never set out to make candles.  My husband Adam and I enjoy antique and flea market shopping.  From one of our shopping trips, we ended up with a box of vintage tea cups and saucers – I just couldn’t pass them up because they were so pretty!  They sat in that same box in our closet for several weeks.  One day, I came across a blog about making your own candles, and decided I’d finally put those cups to use!  It took me several tries to get it right.  Most of the first candles I made looked awful!! I couldn’t get them smooth on the top, or the right combination of wax to scent, or the wick to stay in the right place. After lots of trial and error, I was finally happy with the way they were looking.  I posted a picture of one on Facebook, and someone asked if it was for sale.  The rest is history!  About a month later, I created Wicks and Willow, got my business licenses and opened up an online shop. 

Z+M: What is your favorite part about owning/operating your own business? 

Melissa: There are two things I love.  One – I love knowing that something I made, in my kitchen, with my own hands…is something that people enjoy and use in their homes or to give as a special gift to a friend, bridesmaid, mother, aunt, etc.   I have taken a piece of beautiful piece of china that was discarded or not wanted anymore and given it new life as a candle.  It’s so neat that I have been able to sell candles to customers all over the country and other countries as well.  My first online sale went to a sweet lady in Australia!

The second part I love has been the people I’ve met through this process.   There are so many creative and inspiring people who are makers and creators and small business owners in Montgomery.  Many times, they also have full time jobs or they have started a small business that grew into a company that they now operate full time.  It’s been really cool is to have been a part of some cool collaboration projects with those folks.  There is a really supportive community of creators in Montgomery.  And, of course, my customers!  Many of my customers have become good friends of mine.  They have told their friends about Wicks and Willow and even alert me when they see a great set of china for sale somewhere, haha!

Z+M: Where do you get your inspiration? 

Melissa: I love DIY and home décor blogs.  It gets me into trouble sometimes, haha!  I am always wanting to work on new projects around our house.   But, it gives me ideas for styling my candles for photos and events.  I also discover new ways to incorporate them into different kind of home décor.  Wicks and Willow definitely has a certain aesthetic and look, but they appeal to a wide range of tastes.  China is one of those things that can be a part of a very cottage-type or eclectic style as well as a more refined style.  

Z+M: What advice would you give someone who wants to start his or her own business and/or new creative venture? 

Melissa: I would tell that person to go for it!  My advice is to remember that creating a brand is just as important as creating your actual product.  You can start a business with a relatively low start-up cost, but I wouldn’t skimp on your logo design or your photography. Those are things that make a huge impact and can really set you apart.  Also, go overboard with communication, especially if you’re selling a product.  Answer questions in a timely manner, fix something if they have a problem and always go out of your way to make things easier for them.  Word of mouth is so HUGE when you start a business.  If people feel good and excited about your business or product, they will basically sell it for you!

Z+M: What’s your favorite part about owning your own business?

Melissa: I like the flexibility of deciding my own schedule.  If I am busy and want to take a month off from candle-making, for example, I can do that!  And this may be kind of weird – but most of the time, it is relaxing to make candles.  My full time job is very go-go-go with the pressure of constant deadlines.  I do thrive on adrenaline and being around people, but it is nice to slow down for a little bit in the afternoons and focus on making something with my hands.  And I can do it all in my home! 

Z+M: What is your favorite thing about Montgomery? 

Melissa: My husband and I love Montgomery.   It’s such a unique combination of history, southern charm, and everything Alabama!  We have found such a wonderful community of friends here, so it really feels like home to us now.  We have always felt like this city is a place that offers young professionals opportunities to get involved and make a difference.  And, I think that with any city, your experience is what you make it.  We have enjoyed getting plugged in with some non-profits and organizations around the city.

And now it's giveaway time!

One lucky Z+M reader will win TWO candles from Wicks & Willow - one Blue Willow Tea Cup Candle and one Blue Mason Jar Candle (which burns for 120 hours!) in the scents of their choice. Scents offered include:

• Eucalyptus and Spearmint
• French Vanilla
• Lavender-Vanilla
• Red Currant
• Gardenia
• Cotton Blossom

To enter, you must use the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you're interested in purchasing candles from Wicks & Willow, you can visit Melissa's Etsy store, or if you're in the Montgomery area we suggest setting up an appointment to see all of Melissa's inventory - it's amazing! Just send her an e-mail at Melissa@wicksandwillow.com to set up a time! Her candles are also available at Hue Studio and the Gift Shop at Union Station.

Swimsuit Shopping

Much to my delight, one-piece swimsuits seem to be having a moment. I haven't worn a two-piece swimsuit in approximately 5+ years. It's not that I'm against them at all...I rocked them circa 1985-2008. I just don't feel comfortable in them anymore.

My super pale mid-section is very thankful that one-piece/tankinis seem to come in much cuter designs these days. 

Since we're officially into summer in the South, I thought I'd show you a few adorable suits I've had my eye on lately. 

Via Shoshanna

Via Anthropologie, ruffle is detachable

Via Nordstrom

Via Zappos

Via Neiman Marcus

What are some of your fave swimsuit trends this summer? Do you prefer the two-piece, or do you rock the one-piece/tankini? 

And, we reached our goal of 300 Facebook likes!! Thank you all for the support. We plan to host our next giveaway on Friday, so be on the lookout!

Etsy Love

One of my very favorite sources for, well, ANYTHING is Etsy.  They have home decor, stationary, clothing and so much more.  What makes it even better?  I love that I'm buying handmade items directly from the maker!  (Which reminds me, don't forget to enter our Stately Made giveaway!)

Here are a few of my favorite finds as of late...

Letterpress Monogram Stationary from Dinglewood Design

Quartz Crystal Lamp Finial from Aimee's Rock Works

Brunschwig & Fils Gillian's Zebras Pillow Cover from Aurelia

{I have this pillow and absolutely love it! Great colors and beautiful craftsmanship!}

Octopus Blue Print from Alga-Net

Flower Dog Leash from Wagologie

Agate Coasters with Gold Foil Edges from Rock Paradise

Monogram Queen Sheet Set from Southern Linen

Antique Elephant Door Knocker from Arts of Brass

I could browse Etsy every day and still find new things I want need.  I've purchased several items, including the veil I wore at my wedding, and have yet to have a bad experience.  Do you guys use Etsy?  Have you wanted to try it, but haven't yet?

Another reminder to enter our giveaway for a set of beautiful hand-lettered cards from Stately Made!  You definitely don't want to miss it!  Just go here.  Readers of Zelda + Madeline will also get 20% off with the special code listed in that post!

Southern Makers + A Giveaway!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! What better way to celebrate than with a look back at a beautiful weekend and our first giveaway?!

If you live in or near Montgomery, I hope you were able to stop by Southern Makers on Saturday. It was a great event, and there were so many talented makers from all over Alabama.

We forgot to bring our "fancy" camera, but here are a few shots we got with the iPhone...

@montgomerygoat

Pickled Shrimp from Central with greens from E.A.T. South Downtown Farm, Montgomery, AL

Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, Cullman, AL

CAByachts, Pensacola, FL

Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Co., Huntsville, AL

The Overall Company, Opelika, AL

Another fabulous maker was Jordan Jarvis Hughes of Stately Made in Birmingham, Alabama. She makes adorable cards, prints and other hand-lettered goodies. And we just so happen to have four of her greeting cards available for our first ever giveaway!

Here's how to enter:

1. Like Zelda + Madeline on Facebook and leave a comment below letting us know.
2. Follow Zelda + Madeline (@ZeldaMaddie) on Twitter and leave a comment below letting us know.
3. Follow Stately Made on Instagram (@statelymade) and leave a comment below letting us know.
4. Check out Stately Made's shop on Etsy and leave a comment below letting us know what you'd love to purchase for yourself or a gift! **UPDATE!!  We're excited to add that readers of Zelda + Madeline can get 20% off their order with code ZANDMBLOG.

Each item counts as one entry which means you're able to enter up to four times!

The giveaway will be open until 11:59 p.m. (CTD) on Monday, May 12th

We're so excited about this and can't wait to hear from y'all!  Good luck!