Some people can take or leave having a formal entry way. For me personally, I simply adore one. A stunning antique chest would be a must. It would make for a perfect spot to lay my shawl as I came in from a cool fall day. I would then click on my rather lovely lamp to check to see if I brushed my hair that day. Oh yes, I am well aware that is something I should have done before I left in the first place, oh well. A quirky piece to hold my mail would make me smile every time. As for the walls I would keep them young and fresh in pretty petal wallpaper. I think I would rather like this entry way.
POTENTIAL
I came across this home on our local real estate listings and was thinking whoever bought this home could really make it gorgeous. The more I looked at the home though the more I felt as if I recognized it. Um, could this be the same home I blogged about when I first started blogging in 2008? Why, I believe it is and I have no idea what happened to it. It was stunning, so stunning I blogged about it again. First it was going for about a $1.4 million, then just under a million, today it is going for $500,000 but needs to be finished. I am baffled. I would love to see it finished... again. I wanted it then and would still love to have it today. Oh, and sorry for the awful photos on my 2008 posts that was before I knew anything about the blogging world.
My Kitchen Redo
I finally painted the cabinets! Well not just me, but me and the Mr. I could not be anymore excited about the outcome. The before is here in case you needed a refresher. It took one night and a full day. We used a sprayer for the doors and Kellen hand painted the rest. The colors I used were Warm Stone by Sherwin Williams for the bottom and __________ for the top by Benjamin Moore but was colored matched by Sherwin Williams. Marianne came over and helped me narrow down my color choices. Let's just say I had a hard time making up my mind and she came to the rescue in a huge way. Did I happen to mention that I am one happy lady?
A Little Bit of This and That
I realized I never posted my invites to my 30th birthday party so I thought I would share. I think they would have been lovely to make in this gorgeous office. I bought the paper with the flower at a local shop that was going out of business for an extreme discount I simply added the rest.
Also, more importantly, have you heard of Gilt the online discount shop? They carry everything from clothing to home wares not to mention shoes, accessories, and more. Well they also have a facebook page and for every like they will donate a dollar to Stand Up To Cancer. We have until Monday at 11:59 EST. I hate cancer and this is a great and easy way to give it a swift kick in the behind.
{first image via me, second via Martha Stewart}
Between the Sheets...
Today I am guest blogging over on Gramercy's blog for their series Between the Sheets. I shared some of my all time favorite bedrooms and gave you all a look into mine. It's changed a bit from before. Now if only I could add this night table...
and this dresser...
with the same carpeting then I would be in pure bliss. Of course for now I am happy with what I have. Both pieces are from Chelsea House's fall collection and will be in the Gramercy's shop soon. Aren't they insanely gorgeous?
HAPPY
Today I did a little interview over on A Pina Colada on what makes me happy. It was rather fun to do. Alisa has such a lovely blog and now has a smashing shop. Here are few things from the shop that make me head over heels happy...
September Love
Dallas Shaw for Dace
I instantly became smitten when I opened an email from Dace. It seems the brilliant artist Dallas Shaw partnered with Dace to make a rather lovely paper doll with clothes to match. Each month they will release a new set of clothing till Dace's fall line is completely out. Oh, and did I happen to mention they are free to download and print? I printed out two sets one for Ellie to play with and one to frame. They are that gorgeous. Can't wait for the next one's to be released!
Cottage Living
Do you all happen to remember Lindsay Bierman's kitchen from the January/ February 2008 Cottage Living issue {second image}? Well I do and came across it again while doing my weekly real estate browsing. I know I am a complete nut, but then again at least I share my nuttiness with all of you right? It is one of my favorite kitchens and seems to have stayed mostly the same except for recovering the settee and maybe an art change. Still adore it and the rest of the home.
Remember I am always happy to put you in touch with the listing agent if you want more info. I will not in any way send out the actual listing and therefore will not share location. Thanks for understanding.
Well Done
I grew up in Massachusetts and can remember so many of this type home lining the streets. You can say I am quite parcel to the cedar shingles and simple facade. I was not expecting much when I clicked on this home in our local real estate listings, but I was rather mistaken. It is quite stunning and feels rather special. The shower with the the doors that open out are now in my one day file. I dream of having an outdoor shower, but living in AL makes it not quite practical. This is truly the best of both worlds. This home is going for $569,000 and is listed as new construction. They most definitely have me fooled or it's a mistake. Either way I am in love and will be doing a drive by today.
As always if you are interested in this home I will be more than happy to get you in touch with the agent.
The Commissary
I could live in this booth at a local design warehouse and shop The Commissary. I love the whole shop really, but this certain booth screams me. Sorry for the not so great blackberry pic. I hope to bring my real camera in soon if they allow it and give you all a full tour. It truly is a stunning place.
KINDERGARTEN
Yesterday Ellie started kindergarten. I feel highly blessed and grateful for the school we got her into, but it's still hard. She is extremely excited and I am getting there. So for now it's KJ and I during the day which he just loves. Today and probably tomorrow I will be trying to get our new schedule in order. You would think it would be easier with only one child, but for me it's not. First on my list is to have coffee with this sweet lady.
Dining Bliss
Remember last week when I mentioned revamping my dining table? Well the Mr. said I could just get a new one. Still not 100% sure this is the route I want to go. I rather like the money sitting in savings and my taste is rather expensive, but we are budget people so it will have to be quite the find. Besides I haven't met the "one" yet. These are both zinc which I love, but I know are out of price range. I still love the idea of something more farmhouse like. Well, for now I will just ogle over these two rooms. The first is from Sally Wheats residence which is always a source of inspiration and the second although twice the size of our dining space has me smitten.
Party In Review
My thirtieth birthday was a smashing success. We got all dolled up and made it quite an affair. I wore this Cynthia Steffe dress, although I found mine on a greater sale. A bib necklace which was a gift from a dear friend and my favorite seychelle heels. Ellie wore a former flower girl dress and thought she had to carry around flowers, makes sense. KJ wore a rather dapper suit and made sure everyone new how handsome he was.
The wreath was laced with fresh herbs from my garden and made for a rather pleasant smell when you walked in the door.
We had the most wonderful coconut cake topped with a bunting from kiki la ru. There was also my very favorite strawberry pie that my dearest friend made, but they were not out yet. The two topiary's along with too other arrangements were a surprise from my Mister. They are simply stunning and so perfectly me. He did well, really well.
If you know me you also know I love to use real plates, napkins, and silverware. It does make for a lengthy clean up, but so well worth it in my opinion. The dishes to the left used to be my grandmothers and the others are from our wedding registry. I believe in using what you love so we also use these on a daily basis.
I set up the drinks in the dining room with an assortment of soda's. The gray and white striped straws I found on etsy.
Here are the other arrangement's from my Mr. Aren't they just gorgeous?
We had lights set up from Ellie's party and we loved them so much we decided to keep them up year round. The two pots are filled with mint from my garden and have since moved there way into the house. No one actually sat outside because of the heat, but I thought it was pretty anyways.
Now these are my girlfriends that I have had since college. Some older and some younger, but I will not reveal who is who. Oh, the husbands did come along, but my home is small so a group pic is simply out of the question.
My husband played chef and we had filets with his most amazing twice baked potaotes. Here are a few more details of the night.
The night would not have been so perfect if it weren't for this man. I am ecstatic to grow old with him. And yes, he had the cutest bow tie to wear, but we couldn't figure out how to tie it. Oh well, I am sure he will wear it another day. I simply adore him.
The Weekend
I had the most wonderful birthday weekend. Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes. Here are a couple of snap shots from the party. More to come tomorrow with full details. My husband truly spoiled me rotten. For today I am in recoup mode and getting Ellie ready for her first day of school on Wednesday. Talk about a big week.
THIRTY
I arrived home last night from the most wonderful one night get away with the Mr. We ate, rested, and truly just enjoyed each others company. We documented our trip with our Fuji Instax so I thought I would share just a few. On Sunday I turn 30 and tomorrow I will be having a party with friends that I have had since college. As for today I am over on Simple Lovely sharing a few of my favorites and be warned that I am feeling a bit reflective. I so enjoy where I am in life and feel very blessed to be able to share it all with you.
A Night Away
Photo by Micheal and Rachel LasserreA Tart
This year has been my year to learn how to cook. For most of my marriage my Mr. has done the majority of the cooking. He is rather a picky eater and it was easier for him to make what he enjoyed and besides I was just plain awful in the kitchen. Well, I can now say I can make quite a few things that the whole family enjoys. This weekend I turn 30 and for some reason I got a wild hair to make something more involved, something that posed a challenge, something that felt very grown up. I choose an heirloom tomato, rice, and almond tart from Cannelle et Vanille. I substituted a few ingredients, but stuck with all the main ones. It took me all Friday morning and by lunch time I enjoyed the most delicious tart I have ever had. My husband can't stand tomatoes and Ellie is going through a I don't like rice faze and KJ is going through a what ever Ellie thinks I think too faze, so I was the only one to enjoy my new creation. In the end I am okay with that. I conquered a goal that makes me think I can now do just about anything in the kitchen. I no longer feel fear of creating a disaster and if I do that's okay too. I will just enjoy the process.
Dreaming of Cooler Days
Here in Alabama it is still close to 100 degrees every day, but I cling onto hope that in the next couple of months we will feel a hint of fall. I look forward to trips to the zoo, the Mr. and I's nightly walks around the neighborhood to resume again, and of course fall fashion. You know leggings are my staple, but I do just love the idea of making my summer wardrobe work straight into fall. I pair of cute shorts are still stylish when paired with tights, a simple tee, and a scarf to top it all off. Oh, how I miss wearing scarves. A smart bag to carry pretty books, okay in reality I would be carrying coloring books, but you get the picture. A simple pair of super comfortable flats are a must year round really. I also hope to wear a watch much more often rather than depending on my blackberry, we have such a love hate relationship. Fall I look forward to enjoying you again. You are one of my favorites.
What I Wore
It seems taking pics of my outfits somewhat slipped my mind this week, but I will share what I did get...
Running errands in my new flats. I have been searching for a simple and comfortable pair for months. Every pair priced high and low hurt my feet. I finally came across these from Gap. I bought a size larger and they feel amazing. I now am buying them in multiple colors.
Flats: Gap
Top: J.Crew
Shorts: J.Crew
This has become my wedding shooting uniform of sorts. The dress is a classic style and I believe in dressing like I am not only shooting but also attending a wedding. You will never see me in jeans at a wedding, ack. For all the pre-wedding photo taking I like to wear my rainbows. Comfort is key while being on my feet all day.
Dress: J.Crew
Flip Flops: Rainbows
Headband: Anthropologie
Camera: Nikon D700
Sorry this is the only pic I had of me during a wedding. I love to shoot in heels although by the end of the night I normally regret it. Oh, and if its an outdoor wedding then flats are a must.
Heels: Seychelles