Friday, March 29, 2013

Happy Easter!

Gold splatter painted eggs

I'm counting the minutes to Sunday. I gave up fried food for Lent, and I plan on going on a french fry pub crawl through Athens. 40 days and 40 nights is far too long to live with our deep fried friends. 
Tofu French Fry Recipe (I have to try baking this in the oven) not fat free but looks good
Not like there's a comparison to the fried version, but Gwenyth's oven baked fries are pretty good. Recipe HERE
Hope you have a great Easter weekend! My aunt Mary is coming to visit. We will be eating our way through Athens. 
Enjoy falling off the Lent wagon into a pile of your vices. I know I will. 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Take It Outside


twinkle light dinner party
A couple evenings ago, I hosted a girl's night that was supposed to be held hanging around our outdoor fireplace and dining al fresco. But, the weather had other ideas, and it was about 12 degrees out, so we crammed in the living room. It didn't hurt the fun, but it had me dreaming of outdoor parties. I love how  little it takes to set the tone for a great outdoor dinner.
Rustic outdoor #dining area. Love it!
Interiors By Studio M

Backyard house party (Martha Stewart Photo credit)
Martha Stewart
House Beautiful
dining


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tunesday With George: Phosphorescent


Phosphorescent -- Muchacho
Muchacho is an early Tunesday candidate for Album of the Year. I've been following the strange, awesome and transient career of now Brooklyn-based Alabama native Matt Houck, who operates under the moniker Phoshporescent, for several years now. He first hooked me in 2007 with Pride, and there was no looking back after 2009's Willie Nelson covers record called To Willie.

2010's Here's To Taking It Easy, was yet another progression, and Muchacho is easily his best album yet. The album is self-produced, and from top to bottom it's easy to tell that he fully achieved and realized his sonic goals. STREAM THE ALBUM HERE


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Winter Wonderland Weekend

winter cabin style
Tumblr
After working a full day slinging pops (in 53 degree weather. ugh), we are headed to Sapphire through the weekend with 4 lovely friends and their adorable daughters. I am sure I will take 1,459 photos of all the blond cuteness. I know you are riveted waiting for post-trip recap. 
The weather is taking a turn for the frigid this week - all the better to warm up by the fire, in my opinion. But, seeing that it is late March, I refuse to give in and pull out my winter wear. Here is how I plan to woo spring while keeping warm. (P.S. I got the Zara jacket for my birthday, and it is phenomenal)


sapphire



Gucci sweater
net-a-porter.com


Uniqlo sweater
uniqlo.com


Burberry jacket
net-a-porter.com



Ted baker
nordstrom.com



Repetto ballet flat
saksfifthavenue.com


Charles Albert flat
aeropostale.com



Topshop
topshop.com



J Crew j crew
jcrew.com

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Tunesday With George: SXSW Recap

This installment of Tunesday is dedicated to Jason Molina of Magnolia Electric Co., who passed away over the weekend. R.I.P.
SXSW Recap
As always, SXSW was a whirlwind and a blur this year. We had upwards of 17 artists performing down in Austin, and put on two parties and two showcases. So needless to say...we were busy.
But that said, I was still able to catch a few good bands outside of our own. Here is a list of everything I saw and liked throughout the week, in order of appearance:

Ivan & Alyosha

Ronnie Fauss
Lilly Hiatt & The Dropped Ponies
White Violet
Daniel Romano (4X)

Grandfather Child
New Madrid (2X)
Austin Lucas
Corb Lund
Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale (3X)
John Hiatt (2X)
Richard Thompson (2X)
Max Gomez (2X)
The Devil Makes Three (2X)
Quiet Corral

Caitlin Rose
Jonny Fritz
Allen Stone
Patty Griffin
Hacienda
Micheala Anne

Swear And Shake
Roadkill Ghost Choir

Futurebirds
Moon Taxi
Robert Randolph (feat. Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars)
Levon Helm Tribute -- Midnight Rambler Band (feat. The Mastersons, Steve Earle, Luther Dickinson, Ivan Neville, J.J. Grey, and more)

I'd say my three major highlights of the week were the Levon Helm tribute at Auditorium Shores, the private Patty Griffin show at The Castle, and the Buddy & Jim set at The Parish.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Birthday Girl

cake topper
Yesterday was my birthday - 31 years old. When did I become an adult?
Thanks for those who were able to celebrate and for all the sweet messages, especially this one from my precious goddaughter

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Splurge vs. Steal: Powder Room Redo

My friend Beverly (who's son, Ward's room we worked on) has a powder room off their living room that needs some TLC. At Bev's suggestion, I did a Splurge vs. Steal for redecorating the bathroom. Not to toot my own horn, but I was able to shave nearly $4,000 off the cost of the bathroom! A total overhaul isn't in the cards, so this is more of a Makeover Friday on Today with Hoda & Kathie Lee. 
Here is what Bev is currently working with:


So, first things first, I'd ditch the red. It's too bold and pretty dated (Sorry, Bev). I love a good wallpaper in a powder room, so I chose a neutral print, because I didn't want to scare the man of the house. The pattern adds interest, but the color keeps the room light and spa-like. (I estimated 8 rolls of paper for this room. This number could be drastically too many or too few. I have no idea) The vanity (which is staying) is very basic, and probably in 80% of American homes. To modernize it, I'd paint it Benjamin Moore's Sage Wisdom and replace the knobs with girly mercury glass hardware. 
I've loved the Oomph lantern below for a long time, but at $2,000, it is an investment for a trendy piece. Why not get a can of pastel spray paint and jazz up the metal lantern below? A nice little $1,800 savings. 
There is an open wall when you first enter the bathroom. I think a collection of botanical prints would fit well in the space, and they blend with the current design and style of Beverly's house. Throw in some monogrammed towels (Leontine Linens are so worth the splurge!), and you've got yourself a makeover.


bath