The Blog
The Best 2025 Fall Festivals in Georgia
Anyone who knows me knows that Fall is my absolute favorite season and one of my favorite things to do in the Fall is go to Arts & Crafts Festivals. The festival food, the crisp air and meeting artisans from around the Southeast makes my heart happy. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best ones this Fall so you can be happy too.
The Best Fall 2025 Interior Design & Fashion Trends – According to Me
You know that feeling when summer is winding down and you realize you’re this close to trading rosé for red wine, linen for leather, and poolside lounging for pumpkin-spice everything? Yeah, it’s officially Fall’s time to shine. And let me tell you—this season’s color trends are coming in hot (and cool, and moody, and a little mysterious).
The Book is the Look – Decorating with Books in Staging, Styling & Design
Let’s be honest: books aren’t just for reading anymore. In today’s design world, books are pulling double duty—stacked, turned, color-coded, or even hidden in plain sight—and they’re doing it fabulously. Whether you’re staging a home for sale, styling a room for everyday living, or just looking for ways to show off your extensive collection of half-read novels (no judgment), books are one of the easiest, most accessible tools in your decorating arsenal.
36 Things that are Giving me Life Right Now – The Organic Luxury Edition
If you’ve been following along with my Giving Me Life series, you already know the drill. This is where I share the objects, textures, tones, and designs that have me absolutely feral with design lust. And if you’re new here—welcome to the obsession. This is my space to celebrate the visual poetry of home and style. Sometimes it’s oversized cobalt blue abstract swirls (shoutout to the “Primary Play” trend I waxed poetic about recently), and other times… Well, I need to ground myself. Breathe deep. Touch grass. This style of Modern Organic is close to my heart and whether you like to call it Organic Luxury or Modern Organic, it’s what I like to wrap myself up in and in honor of my Birthday month, I’m leaning into my personal style. Shout out to all the Leos!
Ain’t Too Proud to Dumpster Dive: The One with the Bench and the Dog Walk Rescue
Some people walk their dog and come home with sticks. I walk mine and come home with furniture.
Welcome to another riveting installment of “Ain’t Too Proud to Dumpster Dive”—a series where I risk tetanus and mild judgment from neighbors in the name of fabulous design.
Let me set the scene: I was out walking my dog, minding my business, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted her. A long, lonely, tufted bench just sitting on the side of the road. Abandoned. Beige. Slightly dusty. But solid. You know how some people see trash? I see potential with a side of upholstery staples.
A Trip to Ponce City Market in Atlanta, GA
Today I’m taking you on a tour of a place that feels like your coolest friend: full of surprises, effortlessly stylish, and layered with charisma. Let’s wander through Ponce City Market, nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, where history meets modern life. It’s also called PCM if you’re a local.
55 Things Giving Me Life Right Now – Cobalt is the Color of the Summer Season
Cobalt is definitely having a moment this Summer. But let’s be totally clear. This is not your shy, maybe-I’ll-be-an-accent kind of hue. This is an electrified blue full of power, depth, and pure unapologetic joy.
Before we slather it on every surface in sight, let’s show some respect. Cobalt blue has been around since the 8th century, when Chinese artisans used it in porcelain. The pigment itself, made from cobalt salts, was expensive and rare—basically the Birkin bag of blue. Fast-forward to the 19th century, when painters like J.M.W. Turner and Vincent van Gogh got their hands on it and never looked back. (That sky in Starry Night? Yep. Cobalt.)
29 Hot Summer Nails You Have To Try
If there’s one thing summer brings besides sweat and SPF, it’s a license to go full-on extra with your nail game. This is not the season for subtle. It’s the season for color, fun, and tiny pieces of art at your fingertips—literally. Whether you’re heading to a beach, brunching in the backyard, or just want your iced coffee selfies to pop, your nails need to be part of the conversation. And this year? Oh, summer 2025 is not playing around.
The Best Places in Atlanta to See Fireworks on July 4th
I remember as a child going to see the July 4th fireworks with our blankets and eating hot dogs and salt water taffy. I’m from New England, Connecticut to be exact, and I always associate salt water taffy with July 4th. I don’t think I’ve ever missed a fireworks celebration. There’s something about the colors and lights that’s just mesmerizing.
There’s always something to do in Atlanta on July 4th and I’ve compiled a list of a few things in the metropolitan area. If you don’t feel like barbecuing and want to get out of your backyard, here’s what you can do.
How to Make a Music Space in Your Home – In Honor of Black Music Month
Let’s talk about music — the universal language, the soul of a house party, and the reason your auntie still has a two-step ready at all times. June is Black Music Month, a time to celebrate the profound impact of Black artists, genres, and rhythms that have shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From gospel to jazz, soul to hip-hop, R&B to reggae, Black music has always been about joy, resistance, expression, and connection.
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Leslie Karen is a blog dedicated to women who are forever curious, passionate and don’t believe in limits. I love DIY’ing and trying to figure out how to do things, traveling, designing interiors, finding good restaurants, fashion and reading. Basically just about anything creative and artistic.
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