Reality Recap: Don't Be Tardy...

On our favorite Housewife spinoff (at least until Phaedra gets a show called "Everybody Knows"), Kim and Kroy are moved in, babied up, and living their (crazy) life.  The 30APR13 episode, titled "The Blonde Side", showed Kim/Kroy going to the psychic, getting body wraps, bitchin', moanin', getting mummified, and Kim learning football.

Kim, the original accidental racist, loves being wrapped up in a spa on national television. (We've seen this before on Real Housewives of ATL.)  She also loves her man and her family, and while her new home pales in comparison to the "Queen of Versailles'" (check that one out), she loves her new home, too. Everything but the home gym which causes momentary TV drama.

Kim playing football, drinking wine was HIGH-larious.  Explaining that drinking makes her learn better, we understand more clearly why she is our role model.

All in all, good episode.  Why is it only a half an hour, Bravo? 

Some of the classic lines of the night:

KIM: "I want to get Kroy in the sack, that's how I remember he needs to get sacks."

KROY: "A twinkie is soft and creamy...like breast milk."
KROY: "My body makes the money."

LARGE FOOTBALL PLAYING WOMAN: "Welcome to football, baby."
OTHER LARGE FOOTBALL PLAYING WOMAN: "You don't want to see us in lingerie playing."

KIM: "First down then four down...down, down, down."

KIM: "Couple of glasses of wine, I'll try these drills now."

ALL: "Drink!"

Clutter Top Ten: Local Bars

Clutter's unofficial motto, thanks in part to the lyricism of Wiz Khalifa, is "Work Hard, Play Hard".  We run ourselves ragged trying to find the best furniture and home décor items for y'all, and on the weekend we check out some of our Top Ten favorite local watering holes:

1. JEN'S&FRIENDS. I don't think you can find a better martini or a better girls night spot.  For serious, this place is where my four besties and I kick it when we're not trying to take Savannah (and the world) by storm.  Check it out, but remember to bring some girlfriends. And try their glazed donut martini while supplies last!!

2. Abe's on Lincoln is the coolest bar with the lowest ceiling (ever).  Slouch on into Abe's and enjoy some great DJ-spun-tunes, write your name on the wall in the bathroom, and reflect on the sheer cleverness of this little bar's name...get it...Abe's on Lincoln...like Abe Lincoln.  Clever!

3. Churchill's  new wine bar, Winston's, offers a huge selection of vino, plus if you get too lit, you can grab a Shepherd's Pie upstairs. Our friends love this place so much they're having their wedding reception there!! Awesome.

4. Kevin Barry's is our favorite dirty, Irish pub on River Street. Scratch that. Down town, period. With the perfect blend of Irish music and debauchery mixed with a huge military appreciation, KB's offers live music, beer and fun nightly. Speaking of weddings, we had our rehearsal dinner at Kevin Barry's and Vic and the gang put on an amazing spread.

5. McDonough's has karaoke. And if that wasn't enough, they serve THE best white Russian in town. Watch "The Big Lebowski", then head to McDonough's to reenact all your favorite Dude moments.

6. Bar Food has dollar drinks on Tuesday. Yes, that's right. I'll say it one more time...on Tuesday's, you can head to Habersham Village's hottest bar and get a ironically named drink for ONE DOLLAR! Good apps, great folks, and an awesome place.

7. If you head out to Tybee, you MUST stop by Chef Kurtis Schumm's, Tybee Island Social Club.  Three words...Bacon.Bloody.Mary.  Ridiculously good.

8. Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian offers riverfront views with class. Take a break from River Street and head to the roof for a great time.

9. I used to think that gardening was boring. Then I went to a garden made of beer...a Beer Garden if you will! Check it out at Moon River Brewing Company and you, too, will be a green thumb (of sorts) in no time!

10. Molly MacPherson's is our final choice, and I know y'all are gonna say we forgot this or that, but give Molly's a shot and you will be hooked! Live music, good drinks, fun times. 

Let us know what we forgot, what your faves are, and where we should head for a great drink and an awesome night.  Drink responsibly!

Hotel Style: The Modern Honolulu (Part One)

If you ever need some style inspiration, take a trip to a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast.  You don't even need to worry about staying overnight. Generally, the lobby packs a huge style punch to get your décor motors running. 

Our first Hotel Style feature is The Modern Honolulu, a beautiful Waikiki resort that we had the pleasure of staying at this past weekend.  The lobby is all soft lights, leather, white beachy walls and dark floors. Great inspiration for a library or home office.  They also have a beautiful Herbie Fletcher installation over the front desk.

If you ever make it out of the stunning lobby, with adjacent bar, The Study (as featured in this week's Work Hard Play Hard) and make it to your room, you'll truly be in for a treat.

Continuing the white on white, monochromatic beach vibe, your room is a paradise in actual paradise. Slipcovers, white linen, and dark woods are this rooms go-to looks and are easy to tie in to your home.

And if you thought it couldn't get any better, just look out your window...

Stay tuned for Part Two, when we head downstairs to the world famous Morimoto's for some genius food and amazing style.

AdWatch001

We got a thing for the world of advertisement. Especially in print media. So we thought we'd share some beautiful ads we are inspired by and keep the magazine industry in business!

This Hermes ad is killing it right now. From Honolulu Magazine's MAY 2013 Edition, we want to be this girl super hard. Maybe one day we'll be able to pull off biking on a dock in couture...a girl can dream.

Styled By Lynn: Red

I got to thinking about color today and why I am starting to revisit the color red.  At sometime during the 90’s, red was certainly a popular choice for home décor and then we got interested in the grays, whites and all other “neutral” colors that make us feel calm, cool and collected…I still enjoy the grays and whites, which most of my home is “enjoying” right now, but a few pieces have come into Clutter that are red and have caught my eye. Now I don’t mean red in a patriotic hue but more of a black red...rich, passionate and just screams “take me serious”.  While I think every room could benefit from a little black, I also think every room might just benefit from a little red…..Chinese red with a bit of orange or umber….just enough to be sexy and serious. 

So....start thinking about color...a particular color that you might have overlooked because magazines are focusing on them or all your friends aren't using it in their homes...buy what you love and I bet if you inject a little red, you might just create your own following.

Styled By, Lynn

Clutter Book Club: A Shore Thing

In the words of Nicki Minaj, "Let's go to the beach (each), let's go get away." Head to Tybee, bring a bottle of Patron and margarita mix, and Snooki's life-imitating-art-imitating life debut novel, "A Shore Life".  This book is a New York Times Bestseller...really!  And on the beach, half-buzzed, it's a good (enough) read.  This isn't Hemingway, y'all, but it's not bad for what it is, and we're sorta feeling a no-thought-beach-read this week!  Give Snooks a chance!!

Obsessions of the Week: 28APR to 04MAY13

Some things we're obsessed with this week:

• Ollie Otson's dog on Vine.  Literally the cutest animal on the planet and so fun to watch on Vine. This week, the dog chased a bug and we watched it, literally, a million times.
• Roosters. From Jimmy Rahn to Sam Bryer to a little white porcelain rooster I bought at Ross...we love roosters.  Check out Sam's here and dad's here.
• The Novogratz's Facebook Page.  As if the Novogratz clan weren't cool enough already, their facebook offers an artist of the day, trendy home ideas, and fun extras. We love them on tv and now we can silently stalk them online. Hooray!

• This painting my husband did for our daughter, Violet. Dope.
• Jon Knox's shop on Big Cartel. Some seriously cool toys and prints for some seriously cool kids.  

Before & After: Clutter

As we approach our four-month-open-aversary (on Cinco de Mayo!!), we thought we'd take a look back to show y'all how far we've come.  From stark white walls, we through on a coat of our favorite gray (Sparrow by Benjamin Moore) and filled the store to the brim with antiques, vintage finds, and fun/unusual/unique pieces.  Thank y'all for your support so far and we promise that some good stuff is yet to come!

- Brooke and Lynn 

A Letter From Lynn

Someone told me once that birthdays are more important to the people who love us than what we, ourselves, think of them.  Is that a lot like blogging?  Am I to put down my thoughts for me or for someone else who might get more enjoyment out of it than I would?  At any rate, I am putting down my thoughts because I have lots of them….some pertain to my self-taught decorating aesthetic and other thoughts….not so much!

In my opinion, talent is not learned.  It is within us to either be inherently good at something or not... that is because we will be interested or not.   I do, however, believe the outcome of our talent can be perfected. Talent at what you are good at can mature from what you might have done ten years prior . If you are passionate about what you love, then you will always be open to learning and appreciating talents of others as well as the possibility that we will grow and “cultivate” our own passions.

Decorating for me is a passion. Ok, I admit it. I started decorating as a teenager.  I remember rearranging my room around on Saturdays primarily. I would get in trouble because it was so messy that it just seemed like the time to completely redo.

I didn’t have much to work with but each time I did it, I realized I liked it better than the time before. I don’t really remember what I liked about it…perhaps it was just neat and more orderly!  I did feel an immense sense of accomplishment and a certain amount of pride. Only later did I realize that I was feeling then would continue to manifest itself as I grew…(or aged)!!

Work Hard Play Hard: The Scarlet Letter

This week's Work Hard Play Hard drink is brought to you by the beautiful bartenders of The Study in Honolulu's The Modern Hotel.  Might have had one too many of these bad boys last night...but they were delish! 

Elegantly described on the menu as:

"Stolichnaya vodka, flash infused with a pineapple and fresh orange, bound in cranberry and served over a pillow of seltzer"

BUT you can take your own spin on this rockin' drink at home.  We go with:

• One part vodka (Stoli is good, but even your cheap stuff will work!)
• One part seltzer
• One part Cranberry/Pineapple/Orange Juice (or to taste)

For a twist and great look, freeze your juices in an ice tray and you have fun colorful cubes to go with this literary gem of a drink.  Let us know what you think y'all.

If you're ever in Hawaii, try The Study at The Modern for a great drink, literary inspired menu items, and awesome live music.  Brooke and Tony will definitely come meet you down there!

Get To Know: Autumn VanGunten

Autumn VanGunten is one half of Savannah's trendiest blog, You're Welcome Savannah. But more than that, she's an entrepreneur, local business enthusiast, and social media icon.  If you haven't checked out her beautiful website, with photographer extraordinaire, Cedric Smith, try her on Pinterest/Facebook/Twitter/Vine (you get the picture?). 

In the meantime, please get to know a little bit about, Ms. VanGunten!

CLUTTER FURNISHINGS & INTERIORS : What influenced you to start You're Welcome Savannah? 
AUTUMN VANGUNTEN: Cedric Smith and I had talked for several years on starting up a blog that highlighted small business, fashion and art through photography. We wanted to focus on the smaller guy and give people and business an opportunity to participate with features and affordable advertising. With the shift in the economy a few years back we felt it was perfect timing so the YWS blog was born.

CF&I: What has been your favorite piece to cover on YWS?
AVG: I really adore our DIY pieces. I have the most special DIY contributor Lindsay Williams and together we have put together some really fun posts. She is now in the process of taking it over by herself for a time. 
My favorite piece would have to be the first one we ever did because it was actually the first time I met her in person and she has since become a very good friend and someone I'm so thankful for knowing. Plus the Prosecco and lemon sorbet wasn't bad either. Try it. It will make you happy.
Here is the link for our first DIY! http://www.yourewelcomesavannah.com/2012/05/cocktails-and-crafting-diy.html
...I also am kinda obsessed with our Style Spreads. I love the intimacy that Cedric captures with the subject and their individual style. Our latest one with Isabelle Ewing is an example of how fun and quirky these shoots can be. http://www.yourewelcomesavannah.com/2013/04/ss007.html

CF&I: If you could feature one person for YWS, past or present, who would it be and why?
AVG: It's perhaps lame but I don't have a specific person but I have to say that I am drawn mostly to college kids. I love featuring them. I love the positivity, energy, and untarnished views that they hold. We involve them often in our Style Series that I just spoke of and I find them to be refreshing, new, and shiny. 

CF&I: What do you love most about living and working in Savannah?
AVG: I love living and working amongst some of the most creative people in the South! The brilliance and originality that resides within this city is spectacular. However, I would like to see a shift in learning how to properly appreciate the talent in this community. Many of the complaints I hear are the same. People wanting work done for free. We need to change that. We need to demand that people and their talents are properly compensated. We could all learn to work more together. Be better together. It's a community thing. We have everything we need, except the mindset. I hope to see that change. 

CF&I: What is your guilty pleasure?
AVG: So many...

Chocolate, dark, milk, white. I don't care. I want it. 

Trashy reality TV.....I adore Andy Cohen and his genius of teaming crazy people together!

Too.Much.COFFEE! 

Movie theatre popcorn. I don't share. Don't judge me. 

Social media. I'm on it ALL the time.. 

Cheese dip, guacamole and margaritas with my girls!

Making fun of inappropriate things at inappropriate times. It can get awkward. Like crickets chirping awkward. As a child my nickname was 'Naughty Auti' and that name has followed me into adulthood and for good reason. 

CF&I: Describe You're Welcome Savannah in five words.

AVG: Creative, Original, Beautiful, Quality, and Community.

More on Autumn VanGunten:

   www.yourewelcomesavannah.com

   Twitter: @YoureWelcomeSav or @AutumnVanGunten

   Facebook: You're Welcome Savannah

   Vine: Youre Welcome

[Photo Credit: You're Welcome Savannah's, Cedric Smith] 

Vlog: Fun With Accessories.

We made a vlog, y'all! (Video + blog = vlog!) We're having fun with accessories on our bar and showing how you can change it up, mix in pieces you love, and always keep things fresh.  Don't worry about being matchy-matchy ever...great, unique pieces that you love will almost always go well together.

As always, let us know if you have any design questions...AND let us know what you thought of our first vlog!! 

Product Placement: Sugar Free Red Bull

Our house is constantly stocked with the greatest energy drink of all time, Sugar Free Red Bull.  At only 10 calories, it is a go-to, pick-me-up for morning, noon and night (and late night).  We love it, we gotta have it, we drank one too many today and we will be posting up a storm here shortly...uh oh.

Just sharing something we love with y'all! (And secretly hoping we get a Red Bull sponsorship...LOL!) xoxo, brooke.

Clutter Top Ten: Albums of the Decade (2010's...So Far)

We fully, madly, deeply enjoy music.  And without claiming to be the next, or even a comparison to, Rob Sheffield....we compiled a list of O-U-R Top Ten albums of the decade so far.  Sure, we're only three years in, but that doesn't mean we can't take a jab at jams we determinedly believe will be highly relevant in another seven years (and beyond).  Especially in a trio of years so fraught with varied talent, from the rebirth of (English) soul from Adele to the resurrections of John Mayer and Fiona Apple.

Let us know what albums we missed, which are your favorites, and (maybe) which we gave you a peak inside for the first time.  Enjoy our Top Ten (technically eleven)!!

1. The Civil Wars, "Barton Hollow".  The Civil Wars pack enough soulful, country-infused, folk-rock into "Barton Hollow" to start a revolution.  Joy Williams and John Paul White have such beautiful harmonies and they look so damn cool doing just about anything (even collaborating with Taylor Swift).  Hitch your wagon to The CWs stagecoach because they'll be around for a long time.

2. Frightened Rabbit, "The Winter of Mixed Drinks".  With the slickest album title in recent memory, Frightened Rabbit hopped forth from the hoards of super-keen Scottish bands (Glasvegas, Franz Ferdinand, Belle & Sebastian) to make a name for themselves in 2010.  Sounding like Glasvegas' more refined younger brother, with some of Belle's lyricism and Franz's funk, Frightened Rabbit are a hugely refreshing sound out of bonnie Scotland.

3. Mumford & Sons, "Sigh No More" and "Babel". Two killer albums in the last three years meant we couldn't pick between Mumford's raging debut and their amazing sophomore follow-up.  In an era of throw-backs, they're truly revitalizing the folk-pop, jam band, real musician vibe and are in great company with new contemporaries The Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men.

4. Arcade Fire, "The Suburbs".  "Funeral" was brilliant, "Neon Bible" was so good, but "The Suburbs" was just such a beautifully executed rock opera you can listen to it from top to bottom or in chunks and still feel transported by Win's lyrics and Regine's haunting falsetto.  We live in the suburbs, but we'd like to move to The Arcade Fire's neck of the woods...or wherever they take us on the next album.

5. Vampire Weekend, "Contra".  "Contra" was not as well received as the band's self-titled debut, but who pays mind to critical opinion anyway?  VWs sophomore is a polished tour of steady electric beats, African influence, and Ivy League references, most of which go way over our heads.  And they made a video with Jake Gyllenhaal...so they're cool, guys.  Take our word for it. 

6. Robyn, "Body Talk". Robyn rocked this album. Speaking of resurrections, I'm pretty sure I jammed to Robyn (with a Y) in seventh grade and would still kick it with new school Robyn (still with a Y) any day of the week.  "Call Your Girlfriend" is the slickest track, but they could all be club bangers, or just pregame hype music for an epic evening.   

7. Broken Bells, "Broken Bells".  Zach Braff told Natalie Portman that The Shins would change her (character's) life in the classic, "Garden State". This was before James Mercer, lead singer of The Shins, teamed up with Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) to form Broken Bells and flip the script on all music, Shins or otherwise, in 2010.  Natalie, listen to Broken Bells...they WILL change your life.

8. Adele, "21".  Ok...duh. Adele destroyed it on "21". She is hands down the biggest musician of our time, and will likely make another album (maybe "23" or "25") and redefine music (again) in a handful of years.  Every song is brilliant, every note is the example of what singing should be.  She's a doll and we'd love to have tea with her, if she'd have us.

9. The Decemberists, "The King Is Dead". Ummm...so I guess The Decemberists spent most of 2010 rocking to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to pull off 2011's brilliant, "The King Is Dead".  Harmonicas, banjos, foot-stompin, hand-clappin, down-home music out of Portland redefining The Decemberists sleek, indie vibe of yesteryear.  They sound more like The Avett Brothers than the guys who made 2003's synth-y "Her Majesty".  We're loving the new vibe, guys! 

10. The Black Keys, "Brothers".  "Brothers" already won for greatest album cover of the decade (check it out) and this album equals the confidence of their in-your-face, here-we-are cover.  Another Danger Mouse honed animal (on "Tighten Up"), The Black Keys are equal parts rock, blues, funk, and even country on the baddest ass album so far this decade.

Honorable Mentions:

• Frank Ocean, "channel ORANGE"
• Florence & The Machine, "Ceremonials"
• John Mayer, "Born And Raised"
• Janelle Monae, "The ArchAndroid"
• The Lumineers, "The Lumineers"
• Fiona Apple, "The Idler Wheel Is Wiser..."

Obsessions of the Week: 21APR to 27APR13

On a weekly basis we are passionately obsessed with about ten things.  And then, for good or bad, we generally move on.  So we thought we'd capture some of our obsessions before we ADHD them to the curb.  Here are our Obsessions of the Week (OOTW) for 042113 to 042713:

• Green Walls. Such a creative way to bring the outside in or keep the outside out and jazz up the side of your home/building.  Love it for Earth Day and will be doing this when we own a huge house ideally on York St. in our dreams!
• Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 5 Teaser. Come on. COME ON! We are so excited about RHONJ and there were laser beams and lightning bolts AND no new housewives. 
• This tweet from Jenni Pulos!

• Michelle Armas. Just digging hard on the original paintings by Michelle.  Love this article from Design Sponge on her, too!
• You're Welcome Savannah's coverage of my mom and dad's house.  It's an old post, but I've been looking back and it's so funny how much my mom changes her house. It's literally on a weekly basis. Cedric's images are so good and they capture my mom's spirit and my dad's hard work in moving the furniture around (!).
• Blogging.  I think we got in a little bit of a groove here at Clutter (the Blog).  Just loving sharing what we love and finding another creative outlet.  #BlogginDirty.

Brooke's Look: Pop of Color in the Boudoir

Tranquility is our watchword in the bedroom.  You need a space that's peaceful, comfortable, chic, and purposeful.  But don't shy away from a little drama.

We're loving grays and blues in our master and you can never go wrong with a chic white comforter or duvet cover to up the glam factor.  But in every space you do need a P-O-P of color and we did that by bringing in some lime green in our owl side table / catch-all.  Loving the way the green plays with the blue nightstands and mirror, and we tied it in again with green cording on our big comfy, gray striped pillows.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please send them my way.  Love talking design with y'all!

Go Green: Art

 First off, Happy Earth Day! Hope you are busy planting trees, walking to work, and reading old blog posts (that's kinda green).  We're showing off super green and local artist, Charles Scarborough, whose upcycled and recycled pieces of art are not only earth-conscious, but look stunning.  His beautiful "Seahorse" above is made of a hubcap, a gorgeous silver pot and other trash-turned-treasures.  And check out his "Crab" below which is part guitar body and all awesome! 



This photo is even green; recycled from the beautiful You're Welcome Savannah: Open House 011 by Cedric Smith and Autumn VanGunten.  Check out the full post (and their other stunning shoots) HERE.

Hope y'all have a great Earth Day.  We only have one, so let's all remember to take care of her!

Reality Recap: Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion (Part III)

Sunday's Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion was the third part in the RHOA Season 5 Reunion trilogy.  And in true trilogy fashion, Andy and the big wigs at Bravo (does that include Kim Zolciak?) saved all the fireworks for last.  If you haven't watched this season of Atlanta, we'll hit the highlights:

• Kenya, former Miss USA (and don't get that wrong) and new RHOA Housewife, is crazy.
• Nene Leakes put her crazy away because she has two network TV shows ("New Normal" and "Glee").
• Kim Zolciak is gone.  She done quit. 
• Kandi and Phaedra and Cynthia are all the same.  We still love us some Phaedra and are excited for Kandi's other show, but they weren't standouts this season.

Part III of the Reunion pitted Phaedra against Kenya (again).  This time about whether Apollo and Kenya were "pushing up on" each other.  Pregnant Phaedra seemed nonplussed by the whole incident, although, Kenya's fan flapping did distract most of the ladies (Note to Self: buy a fan and use it during arguments).  It also showed other-new-Housewife, Portia Stewart (Kordell's wife), coming out of her shell for the first time in her rookie season.  She cried, screamed, and even sounded (slightly) intelligent. 

All in all, things are the same as they ever was in HOT-lanta with the exception of Nene Leakes as the senior stateswoman, and misplaced voice of reason, amongst the new hotheads.  We'll miss Kim, but we already set our DVR's for her spinoff show!  We will not be tardy for that party!! 

Cheers, y'all! 
- Brooke

Gone But Not Forgotten...FIVE

Ciao to some great pieces!

Check out some new pieces in store daily at: https://www.facebook.com/ClutterFurnishingsAndInteriors

OR

in store!!!  1100 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.

Clutter Book Club: Life of Pi

This week's Clutter Book Club selection is Yann Martel's beautiful and inspiring "Life of Pi".  A story of survival, fantasy, spirituality, "Life of Pi" is truly spell-binding and you'll want to read it again and again (this is our third time reading about Pi and Richard Parker).  If you haven't seen the movie yet, procrastinate a little more...this is definitely a book you'll want to read first and let your mind imagine all the possibilities before seeing Ang Lee's award winning interpretation. 

For those that have read "Pi" already, check out this interesting detail on the background of the name Richard Parker...crazy.

Work Hard Play Hard: Mai Tai

"Work Hard Play Hard" is Clutter's get-right-for-the-weekend anthem and (unofficial) motto.  In honor of our love of the weekend, we'll present some WHPH worthy drink recipes to help kick your time off with a splash! 

Our first ever WHPH is an homage to both Don & Mrs. Draper's recent trip to Hawaii on last week's "Mad Men", and to our Hawaiian Clutter family, Brooke and Tony.  So whether you're lounging on the beaches of Waikiki, or just need a mental vacation from your home in Savannah, try this Mai Tai recipe out and wash your troubles away!!

Clutter's Mai Tai:

• 1 ounce light rum (Bacardi or Malibu Coconut(!!!))
• 1 ounce dark rum (your choice)
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1/4 ounce lime juice
• 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
• Splash of orange juice (to taste)
• Dash of grenadine  
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

1. Pour all the ingredients except the dark rum into a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well while daydreaming about Don Draper, Hawaiian breezes, and the smell of suntan lotion.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass half filled with ice.
4. Top with dark rum. Try a spiced rum (Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry's, etc.) for a twist on the classic Mai Tai.
5. Garnish with the cherry.  Add a yellow ilima, Oahu's official flower, for a great look!! 

Enjoy!!! Mahalo for stopping by and aloha from the Clutter family!!

Get To Know: Jimmy Rahn

My dad, JIMMY RAHN, is a man of few words...to say the least.  But in his limited verbosity, there is a wealth of knowledge, compassion, intrigue, and especially love.  Here's a short look at the great guy who my kids just call "Papa"! (And a peak at some of his art!!)

Jimmy Rahn
Postman, United States Postal Service
Artist, Handyman, "Papa"

CLUTTER FURNISHINGS AND INTERIORS: When did you start painting?
JIMMY RAHN: First grade.

CF&I: What is your favorite medium to work with?
JR: No. 2 pencil.

CF&I: What is your favorite thing about being a mailman?
JR: Walking in the sunshine.

CF&I: What is your guilty pleasure?
JR: Chocolate.

CF&I: Describe Savannah, your hometown, in five words.
JR: Historical, laid-back, southern, comfort, y'all.

"Egret 1" & "Egret 2" by Jimmy Rahn guard over Lynn's living room (as photographed
by You're Welcome Savannah's, Cedric Smith).

"Birds" by Jimmy Rahn, 5"x5" acrylic on canvas.



Product Placement: Canon EOS Rebel T3i

We are in absolute love with our Canon EOS Rebel T3i and, since we can't shout it from our rooftop because of complaints from the neighbors, we wanted to shout it from our blog-top (as it were).  Her name is Sheila, she takes beautiful pictures, and if you're in the market for a great, reliable camera look no further. 

No, Clutter is not taking a leap into the camera business, and we aren't getting a piece of the Canon pie...BUT we did just want to share with y'all a really great product that we use (almost) everyday!

(Ironically, the picture of our camera was taken by an iPhone...BUT most of the pictures we post here are Canon quality!!)

Clutter Top Ten: Made In Savannah

Both Mom (Lynn) and I were born and raised in Savannah and it is to us what New York City is to Carrie Bradshaw.  We love the smells (even of the paper mill), the tastes of all the good southern food, and the sights (even during St. Pat's most raucous times).  So we thought we'd compile a list of some of our fave Savannah grown products and show you our Top Ten!

1. Macarons from Maison de Macarons.  Honestly, up until about a year ago we'd be hard-pressed to tell you what a "macaron" was.  Then, by the grace of God, we put up shop right next to Laura and Amy's beautiful patisserie in Eisenhower Square and got to sample the most delicious treat this side of River Street.  Brilliant for weddings, birthdays, or just a Tuesday, Maison de Macarons is definitely going to be around for awhile!

2. Shotgun Shell Cufflinks by Meredith Anne Sutton. If you're a man in the south, or a woman who knows a man in the south, y'all need to get some of these beautiful 12 gauge shotgun shell cufflinks by jewelry designer, Meredith Anne Sutton.  My husband rocks a pair and they could not be more sexy and stylish.  Whether he's wearing them to a wedding with a fancy suit or on a plaid button up, these little gems R-O-C-K.

3. Key Lime Coolers from Byrd Cookie Company. Savannah's world famous Byrd Cookie Company is also one of Clutter's neighbors.  And it's a good thing we like to work out because sandwiched between some of the nation's finest macarons and cookies, we'd be foolish to not eat a dozen (or two) Key Lime Coolers a month.  If you haven't checked out Byrd, and I doubt there's many out there who haven't, y'all need to get over to BCC ASAP!

4. Soap from Panhandle Girl.  The self proclaimed "Soap Maven", Saja Aures makes beautiful smelling and environmentally sound soap that also makes your skin glow!!  So throw out your Dove and grab some soap from PHG.  "Little Dinosaur Eucalyptus Mint" is our favorite!

5. Chocolate Nougat Caramel Bars by The Chocolate Lab. You may have gathered that we like to eat and that we have a bit of a sweet tooth...that being said, The Chocolate Lab's products are some of the finest pieces of chocolate we have put (or more appropriately jammed) into our mouths.  Described as "Southern Artisan Candy Bars" check them out online to order some sweets!

6. Salt Soaks by Salacia Salts. With all the sweets we love to eat, we also love (like) to run.  If you haven't already, every runner needs to try a soak in a salt bath post-workout.  It relaxes your muscles (and your mind) and just feels dang good.  And who doesn't like to feel good, I'd like to know?!

7. (ANYTHING) by lovelane designs. We're officially obsessed with the latitude/longitude pillow and if that's a crime lock us up.  But Lane Huerta of lovelane is so much more.  Tea towels, mustache obsessions, and even snuggly bunny hats aplenty make Lane's world, and ours, a bright, lovely place to be.

8. Raw Honeycombs from Savannah Bee Company. We had amazing food at our wedding, but my favorite, piece de resistance moment was a simple cheese platter with a honeycomb from Savannah Bee that was world changing.  Delicious, mind blowing, gotta try it!!

9. Stationary from Blank Canvas Graphics. Need a funky new way to express yourself?? Check out some super keen stuff from Lindsay Williams and start writing your friends on cards that say, "You are the Cup to my Cake" and "You Look So Skinny!"  A lot better way to say happy birthday that some generic Hallmark card...in our opinion!!

10. Pecan Pralines from Savannah's Candy Kitchen. Ok, so we'd be remiss if we didn't close out our Top Ten with some more grub. And oh what delicious grub SCK's pralines are! We've all had them, we've all loved them, we've all been mad at ourselves for eating an entire pound in one sitting, but we all go back to the Candy Kitchen and do it all again time and time again.  SCK, y'all are doing it right down there!

Brooke's Look: Hides

An easy way to break up a wood-heavy, neutral space is by throwing in a hide to give a pop of something 1) on trend, 2) functional, and 3) comfortable.  Black and white is in, from the runway to home décor, and while a cowhide can seem rustic/traditional, a black/white one gives a little modern flair! Underfoot, it is so comfy, too, and is super durable (pet and kid resistant!!).

We have several hides at Clutter and I am obsessed! Come see what you think and talk to us about where and how to fit one in your home.

Clutter Furnishings and Interiors

1100 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 8

Savannah, GA 31406

912.354.7556

www.facebook.com/ClutterFurnishingsAndInteriors



Clutter Book Club: Fifty Shades of Grey

This week's scandalous book club selection is E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey"! I know y'all have read it, or at least heard about it, so no description is necessary.  Leave a comment, tell us what you think/thought, and celebrate the fact that we're reading (even if it's something SUPER tawdry).

Get To Know: Brandon & Heather Ainsworth

"Brandon & Heather"

BRANDON & HEATHER AINSWORTH
Owners, Southern Firefly Candle Company
Candle Enthusiasts, Southern Small Business

CLUTTER FURNISHINGS & INTERIORS: What drew you to the world of candles?
BRANDON & HEATHER: Over the past few years we had discussed the idea of starting a family business.  Something that would give us the freedom to be both creative and entrepreneurial.  We chose candles because they gave us the ability to start small and eventually grow into a larger business.  We knew going in there were many candles on the market, but our family motto from the beginning has always been "You don't have to be first, you just have to be the best."

CF&I: How do you come up with your different scents?
B&H: Well, the selection available is overwhelming.  We narrow it down by choosing the highest quality, and by customer reviews.  We then test many samples and blends before finally selecting the perfect new fragrance for our line.  Heather has a great group of friends that are more than happy to lend their noses and opinions.

CF&I: What is y'alls favorite SFF scent?
B&H: My [Brandon] favorite is the Georgia fragrance from our destination series.  It reminds me of my mom's peach cobbler.  That is one of the great things about candles and their ability to trigger memories.  Heather's favorite is the Nashville scent.  It was blended by her in our kitchen to pay homage to the city we love.

CF&I: What is your favorite thing about living in the south?
B&H: Bar-B-Que!!!  You've got to love a food that causes at least five different states to argue over who has the best. 

CF&I: What is your guilty pleasure?
B&H: (Brandon) Bar-B-Que; (Heather) Anything monogrammed!

CF&I: Describe Southern Fire Fly Candle Company in five words.
B&H: Quality, Classic, Style, Natural, Eco-friendly.

For more information on Southern Firefly Candle Company,

check out their website or smell their candles in person at Clutter!

http://www.southernfirefly.com/

Clutter Furnishings and Interiors

1100 Eisenhower Square, Suite 8

Savannah, GA 31406

912.354.7556

www.facebook.com/ClutterFurnishingsAndInteriors