Thursday, June 30, 2011

Greek Key

I have a slight obsession with most things pattern: Trellis, Ikat, Geometric - you name it.

My decafriend (Ansley= decorator & friend) had to give me the eye several times- you know the look where they don't even have to say anything, but you know what they are thinking-as I would have done all 1,300 sq ft of our tiny ranch in all things patterns. And now of course a year later I agree, I would be sick of it.

But there is something about Greek Key that I love. It's pattern-y, but not overkill.

I do admit you see it everywhere and I wonder if it is a current design fad, but regardless it strikes my fancy.

And you can add it anywhere- draperies, bedding, pillows, mirrors, furniture


Palmer Weiss

Christina Murphy

DecorPad


DecorPad

Pinterest


Coastal Living



It's also very DIY-able (well for most)

I think I may attempt this trim on our PB Peyton Drapes for a little 'sprucing up'

Peyton Drape, 50 x 63", French Ivory       Athena Tape 


Thoughts? I am often a failure of DIY, but I think this is is doable.

I admire talented bloggers like Bri who is not only beyond hilarious but an expert Ikea hacker. She makes rags to riches look easy.

She turned this ikea dresser into this greek key goddess.




How crazy talented is that?

So, I may give it a go and get some Greek in our house. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

It's almost the holiday weekend!









Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Recipe 2: Chicken-and-Green Chile Enchiladas

So, I guess I haven't stayed true to my once a week home cooked meal.

I haven't totally failed, JH has just been doing a lot of grilling on the BGE which is fine by me. Love a man that cooks!

Last night though I attempted this recipe from Southern Living. It was mexican; therefore, I knew if it were terrible I would still eat it.

*My finished product wasn't this pretty but here it is courtesy of SL



Ingredients
3 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken  (I used a rotisserie, doesn't get much easier than that)
2/3 cup Onion-and-Garlic Mixture
2 4oz cans chopped green chiles
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
3 10oz cans enchilada sauce, divided
2 cups Mexican four-cheese blend, divided
8 burrito-size flour tortillas

*someone in the review section recommended using the most authentic enchilada sauce offered in store. (to me that means the most mexican looking can). But, whatever authentic really means, I agree. Get the good stuff.

*Also, I added 3 jalapenos chopped & diced fresh from our garden. Gave it a nice kick.

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix together first 4 ingredients, 1 1/2 cup enchilada sauce, & 1 cup cheese (I used a little more chz, because we love chz)

2. Spoon about 1/2 cup mixture down center of each tortilla; roll tortillas up and place seam sides down in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

3. Bake covered for 20 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown

Garnish with more cilantro &/or jalapenos to your taste & you've got yourself a home cooked meal.




Very delic & filling...and the house is still in tact. Go me!


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Bar Carts

I love the look of a bar cart. Perfect for a small space or a house that doesn't have a wet bar.

Do you have one? One would be very fitting in our house.














This is our current Bar Cart beauty...




It is actually this cute outdoor table from Wisteria that sat in our carport, but I covered it in cheap burlap from Joann's for a winter party. Out of pure laziness (& convenience) it's never returned to it's original spot.

Have you seen any for a steal via thrifting, craiglist, or ebay? I am constantly on the hunt, so if you see any please send my way.

*images via Pinterest, my iphone

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Vacation

I am signing off.



We are off to the beach for our annual "Cabinet Trip"

4 families in 1 house for 26 years.

Yep, the tradition is still going strong.

The group now includes spouses & significant others, so that brings us to 25 peeps total.

Thankfully we got smart and this year we have an adult house & children house.

I can't wait!





Hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week!


Monday, June 20, 2011

On the Market

I read this article this morning. Local Bestselling Author Emily Giffin is selling her Brookhaven home.




One of my bff's Ansley of Ansley Ghegan Interiors (who helps with our 'lil abode) worked for the talented Beth Webb when they did the interiors. How fun is that? It is beautiful.











*Images from here

Included in this beauty is a huge finished basement with gym, a 1,500 bottle wine cellar, a children's art room, and a media room. What more else could a girl ask for?

If you haven't yet, check out her books. You will be hooked- perfect summer reads.

Hope everyone has a great week!



Friday, June 17, 2011

It's the Weekend

Happy Friday!



We are off again.

Going to visit a sweet friend who I don't see that often while the boys golf.

Then it's home to celebrate this man. Happy Father's Day Big Pops! And a happy to all of your Dads, Husbands, & Grandpas too!


Downright. Awesome. Dad
*Tee found at local Walgreens





Thursday, June 16, 2011

Scout Mob: L & S

Good Morning!

Are you a Scout Mob member? If so, today you are in luck.

Scoutmob Logo


They are offering 50% off at Lewis & Sheron, a discount fabric store near the Westside



They offer many great "knock off" fabrics at fabulous prices.

Here are just a few of my favorites:






This is one of my all time fave images from Cottage Living. Take this fabric at $15 a yard and you've got a great looking ottoman for next to nothin'.


Image: Cottage Living


Go here and get yourself a deal.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Brow Diva

Hi! I took the advice of Simply Seleta and a few Atlanta friends and visited the make up & brow diva Nikole {Click on 'stylist' then scroll down to make up & click on Nikole to view her bio}

Talk about an expert. She is amazing.

She is nothing short of fabulous, kind, wonderful, & most of all knowledgeable.

Nikole knew exactly what damage I had done and how to fix it. My problem was a little laziness and lack of shape.

The goal is to achieve the look of shapely, not too arched, and natural brows.

{Is that word brow bothering you yet? It is slightly disturbing}








Check out this site on celebrity eyebrow makeovers. This gives us amateurs hope.


WOW


Before: High & Unruly
After: Arch grown in. More pulled together look


Go see Nikole at Van Michael. You will love her. 

Best part- she is very affordable, located right in Buckhead, and works convenient hours for the nine to fivers.





Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Summer & Something Special

Goodness, it is H-O-T in the Atl! Summer is officially here and I love hot weather, but this sunshine really makes the post-work exercise routine tough.

Enough whining.

I am currently loving the yellow & turquoise combo. It is so refreshing.

I found these pics to be pretty. Hope it adds some spark in your day.









Images: pinterest, nestfully, pinterest, unknown, anthro, pinterest, decor8, cocokelly


*********************************************************************

As you know, I blog lurked for a long time. I grew fond of some really cool, talented, special, sweet people....whom I didn't know personally.

One of those blogs is Margery Raves On. The good news is, I kind-of know her. She is best family friends with our good friend MMM and one of her daughters went to Ole Miss with my bro.

Anyways, her beautiful & talented daughter Katherine suffered an AVM rupture in 2008 and tells her incredible story here. Kim, her mother, has an amazing way with words and is very transparent about her faith. Her husband once said he was married to a combo of Billy Graham & Lady Gaga. How funny is that?!

She wrote a fabulous post recently that is too good not to share. It's a must read. If you grew up or live in the South, this rings true in many ways. Here you go:

http://www.margeryraveson.com/

Enjoy & Reflect.

Best part about being a new blogger, I can blog about other people's blogs!