::the gang ::

:: Don’t ya love auburn’s new signage? It’s Aubie on a bike ::

after a long hot afternoon…the attention to the camera drifted to “better things”.

We luckily managed to dodge all traffic as we scooted all over the city. Why? Wasting time until we took two special girls to rendezvous with a camp friend at the airport.

Our first stop…a late lunch. Can you see the smile on that girls face on the far right?

For those familiar Houston junkie friends of ours, you’ll recognize this outdoor patio and instantly identify the restaurant.

Houston’s is a all-time favorite. Nothing quaint and special about the location, but the food is fabulous. We passed on the spinach-artichoke dip it is not a summer figure friendly dish, but definitely indulged in other scrumptious delights.

You can see it in our smiles…

And afterwards. Shopping at Phipps and Lenox. Then to top it off a quick trip to Bodies :: the exhibition @ Atlantic Station.

The poster does this exhibit NO justice. It is full of fun-filled facts. Like :: We do not yawn due to a lack of oxygen. In fact, scientist do not know why we yawn. AND If all of our muscles worked together in our body we could lift approximately 10 tons. The exhibits are all REAL. Like REAL human bodies donated to the “sciences”. The most fascinating to me was really seeing the intricate details God used as he knit us together one by one. It really puts a look of awe on your face. The high ticket price is worth every single penny.

We gave our visit two thumbs up!

And finally the real reason we drove almost two hours…to pick up  another camper at the airport. These two gals are Colorado camp friends. One from Alabama and one from Texas. The reason the be at the airport…meeting another camp friend from Indiana.

They made a last minute sign (hence the lack of creativity) and decided to try to throughly embarrass their welcomed guest. Unfortunately these two girls beauty required them to keep the sign rolled up the majority of there wait. They unfortunately were receiving request from randos claiming, “I am Mark, I’ll be whoever you want me to be”. Even and old man walked over, while the sign was not visible, saying, ” Who are your hear for? I am looking for somebody here to pick up somebody.” Really? These girls are 17 years old. Come on. People these days. You see it all at the Atlanta airport. All walks of life. All sizes. All heights. and ALL STYLES.

and finally the real Mark arrived. 9:30 PM. It was a long day, but we were entertained by their laughter on the way home.

Now for a side note :: I am taking advantage of every single moment I get to spend with my sweet sister and Mom these days (and Dad, brother, sister-in-law, friends, and extended family). As excited as I am about going to NYC, I will miss seeing there sweet faces whenever I like. Even Birmingham was only a short two hour drive away. My family and friends are a wonderful blessing in my life, and they mean the world the me. With that being said, Mom and I would like to issue a weather advisory in the upcoming weeks. There will be Flash Flood Warnings streaming from the Deep South to the BIG Apple. Why? Tears. Lots of tears. There will be tears of laughter, memories, anxiety, excitement, and fear all wrapped in one car. The BIG stuff will be delivered, but us two are going to spend quality time together road-tripping it up the East Coast. With some wonderful and exciting stops along the way. But just FYI…beware of flooding. Seriously. Oh, this is so so bittersweet.

we loaded up our pallets with paints, and grabbed a few clean brushes.

uncorked the wine…

and the birthday girl began…

with a blank canvas. So we painted, and painted, and sipped…

well not the under-aged ones, but lets just say, they focused a little more.

…with a few hours of hard work, the canvases were bright and beautiful.

with flowers in all sorts of variety!

What a fun night! Happy Late Birthday Stac!

Without even being consciously aware I pick up my cell and call speed dial #2 [only second to #1 being default voicemail]. It is my direct link to my Mom. We talk on the phone sometimes 6 or 7 times a day. She is my other half. She knows me all to well! Andrea and I would consider ourselves pretty blessed to be able to call our Mom our best friend. Between the three of us, more affectionately known as the “3 musketeers”, we share it all. We tell each other everything! The highs and the lows. All of our smiles, tears, laughs, joys, celebrations, struggles, problems, and usually birthdays. Not only that, we share SO many memories…from day trips to Atlanta time and time again to cramming begging the dressing room attendant to allow 3 people in a one person dressing room. Somehow we just cannot get enough of each other.

This year we will not be in the same place, but we’ll celebrate together in spirit! So this post goes to you Mom,

“HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Love Ya Always, Jewels

What’s in a name? As the Park is to the City, so the Word is to Life. Central Park is comprised of 843 acres– an area that constitutes less than 6% of the entire island of Manhattan. Despite its small bite out of the Big Apple, the Park has a huge impact on the lives of New Yorkers. Similarly, the Word is life-restoring for Christians. Despite its small size, the Bible’s impact on our lives far exceeds that of any other book on our shelves. In it, we can run about in joy, explore meaningful truths, and delight in God’s promises. The founder of Park Forum, Bethany is an email friend of mine. She has a BIG heart the is bursting with love for the Lord, and I encourage you to support her work in the city!

So, that is where is all began. You might be wondering what that little 125 x 125 pixel square geometric grid of green, white and black is on the right hand side-bar. Let me tell you, it’s your direct link to The Park Forum. Whether you’re a New Yorker of not, the site is worth subscribing too. Their daily urban devotional, Morning Walk, serves up a warm dose of inspiration to me everyday! These quick reflections don’t take a lot of time to read through, but ADD a lot of “goodness” to your day. It is for sure to be added to your blog feed after you visit, also serving as a reminder that…”in whatever we do (even in reading online blog posts), in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)!

[if you feel called to support The Park Forum, you can do so by mail or you can choose from their online donation methods here]

 Actually before you meet Jenna, first things first. Check out her and her husbands business: whimsy&spice, a Brooklyn confectionery. All of their cookies and sweets are hand rolled, hand cut and hand packaged using only the finest ingredients with no added preservatives or artificial flavorings. Take a look for yourself at these little exquisite works of confection! Pictured are some of the seasonal cookies below. They are absolutely splendid! Forget chocolates in a box this year…send you Valentine something special:

 Where did you drink your morning coffee? on the couch with the computer on my lap.

Is that my favorite room? I don’t know, but I’m on the couch a lot.

…well, considering that the couch is where I end up working, I guess the answer, actually, would be yes it’s my favorite room.

How do your balance being a mommy, and your growing design & confectioners bakery, whimsy & spice? I don’t…still not yet. We’re learning, but most days, life is chaotic. [check out Jenna's talent here]

What part of your job is the most enjoyable? I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people through the business.

When did your design/creative obsession begin? I’ve been drawing since I was small. It’s really all I did in high school, and I spent most of my energy my junior year getting scholarships to art school. Oddly, though, once I got to college, my interest waned and took a backseat to just experiencing life and living on my own. I regained my interest and commitment when I switched to another creative medium – studying music.

What’s influencing your design these days? My friends, other designers and artists.

What are your favorite creative trends in the art & web world“? Not a trend follower. I have no idea.

Fresh, bright, and beautiful OR warm, cozy, and rustic? fresh, bright and beautiful

What is the best gift you’ve ever received from anyone? I was a few thousand dollars away from paying off a 60k student loan debt from grad school. My mom cut me a check to pay it off. I felt like I had a new life. I am so grateful.

What is a must-have recipe for ever home? pancakes

Favorite splurge?? bags or shoes.

Best place to getaway? Hawaii or Paris

What thing in your home do you use the most? other than my computer? the coffee maker.

Leave us with one word: breathe…

Thanks Jenna for taking time out of your BUSY schedule!    x, julie

*images courtesy of sweet fine day

Where did you drink your morning coffee? Is that your favorite room in the house? In my living room. It’s where I sit in the morning to check in on our blog and to read all the others I keep up with. It probably is my favorite, although in my 530 square foot bungalow, there aren’t that many rooms to choose from!

What part of your job is the most enjoyable? I love the time spent really getting to know and understand a client and what they want. You can’t give someone what they are looking for until you do a lot of listening and until you understand how they live.

When did your design obsession begin? I always loved to draw, but in the 5th grade, I was at my aunt and uncle’s house and they were in the process of working with an architect to design a new lake house. I spent the entire weekend looking at the house plan books and magazines. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Who’s influencing your design these days?  I’m really liking Steven Gambrel’s work lately–especially that house that was just in Elle Decor. I feel like he and I start from the same place with a lot of things but he takes it further and gets edgier with his designs and it makes me want to do the same. I’m also a big fan of Suzanne Kasler, Victoria Hagan, Windsor Smith and of course John Saladino.

What are your favorite trends in the “design world”? I still really love the bleached wood look, although I’m starting to wonder what finish is coming next. I think mixing industrial elements into a more traditional interior is such a great look and it’s exciting to see that concept is becoming more mainstream.

What should be the clients first BIG investment in a room?You know that “statement maker”. I think every room needs a good quality antique. Even a modern space benefits from the texture and authenticity that an antique adds. It could be anything from a chair to an amoire to a rug, but some antique of value is an investment worth making.

Fresh, bright, and beautiful OR warm, cozy, and rustic? Fresh, bright and beautiful

Go to paint color? Benjamin Moore ‘China White’ — it makes everything in a room look like sculpture.

What is a must-have recipe for every home? Ha, I’ll tell you when I start cooking.

Favorite splurge??Really good wine, you can definetely tell the difference.

What thing in your home do you use the most? Multiroom audio — I don’t know how I lived without speakers in my shower!

If you could be any ONE piece of furniture; what would you be and why? Seriously? [you're thinking the cheesy questions again, right? But we are creative people remember!] I don’t…something cool. Like an old chunk of a building or iron railing that somebody made into a console table or something. Definetely not part of a matching set of anything. [a recipe for design failure...agree!]

Leave us with one word: simplify (you probably have too much stuff and you don’t need all of it!)

*all images courtesy of Tracery Interiors

A little history….

I’m originally from Louisiana, but I’ve spent my whole life moving around! I married a guy from New Zealand and I’m now living in Houston. When we moved here a year ago, my plan was to import antiques and artifacts from around the world, but the recession has sort of put those dreams on hold. In the mean time I started my own business doing interior design work, which I had never planned on doing full time, but I’m having so much fun I’m starting to forget about filling containers and shopping third world markets! So…

Where did you drink your morning coffee? Is that your favorite room in the house? I drink my morning coffee wherever the laptop has been left from the night before. Could be left in my office, or on the sofa, or on my bedside table. Morning coffee and design inspiration through reading blogs are my favorite way to start the day!

If not, what is your favorite place to be? My favorite room in our house is our front porch, on the weekends I like to read magazines and relax on the swing. I try to take advantage of living in the south this way!

What part of your job is the most enjoyable? The most enjoyable part of my job is the freedom to express myself creatively. There are so many different looks, fabrics, styles in design; the sky is truly the limit! Every day for me is different, every client is different, every project is different. I really enjoy working closely with people to create something beautiful.

When did your design obsession begin? My design obsession began at an early age. When I was about 7, I remember being bored with my sister at my grandparents one summer. My mother’s solution was teaching us how to “play house” outside, creating floor plans out of pine needles and dirt. When I was 10 I was allowed to design my own room; yellow walls, blue, green and pink plaid draperies, a floral bed skirt and duvet. Complete with a mustard yellow rotary phone I found at a garage sale for .50, oh, and an aquarium! When I was in high school and college my mom and I spent hours on end shopping for antiques and Persian carpets when we lived in Singapore and during travels throughout Asia. Design has always been something I was passionate about, it just took me a few years to wake up and realize that was what I was going to do for a living.

What’s influencing your design these days? Travel has always been my biggest inspiration and all of my most recent trips have been right here in my backyard. A year ago I moved back to the south after living in Singapore, Colorado and New Zealand over the past 13 years. My husband and I have been taking little trips visiting family and friends in Louisiana for weddings, holidays and long weekends. I’ve been inspired by the architecture of Hays Town and Ken Tate from Louisiana. High ceilings, French antiques, old brick, gigantic oak trees, Spanish moss and the lifestyle of spending a sleepy afternoon on a front porch. I’m using all of this inspiration on my own project, our little 100+ year old bungalow in Houston!

What are your favorite trends in the “design world”? My favorite trends in the design world right now are graphic prints, any and every wallpaper, ethnic textiles like ikat, and rustic furniture. I recently recovered some mid century chairs I rescued from a dumpster in a great colorful Ikat cotton print. In between them sits a big chunky wooden stump used as a side table.

What should be the clients’ first BIG investment in a room? You know that “statement maker”. I think the two most important things a client should invest in to make the largest impact are rugs and lighting. They are not necessarily focal points or dramatic pieces, but they create ambiance, warmth and a feeling of comfort in a room. Ambiance simply is properly placed lighting. Lamps are very important, particularly at night where they can create the most perfect soft glow. Rugs define space, and eliminate echoing. Acoustics is not something people think about very much when designing a room, but in my opinion should be considered as much as lighting. Rugs make a home feel and sound ‘homey’.

Fresh, bright, and beautiful OR warm, cozy, and rustic? Fresh, bright and beautiful is probably where I’m heading with my own house right now, but I certainly have an appreciation for warm, cozy and rustic in the appropriate house. Which leads me to my…

Go to paint color? …go to paint color: Benjamin Moore White Dove, I’m painting my whole house that color right now. I just like the fresh, bright, clean feel of a white space. My house is pretty teeny, so I’m trying to make it feel bigger by using only one wall color throughout.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received from anyone? The best gift I’ve ever received would probably be my education from my parents. They gave us a chance to live overseas, the gift of travel, the opportunity to go to college. I wouldn’t be where I am now without those experiences.

What is a must-have recipe for ever home? I think a must have recipe for every home is a good biscuit recipe. My grandmother’s buttermilk biscuits taste like home. They are nothing fancy, easy to make and on a Sunday morning, nothing tastes better for breakfast. She always bakes them in a beat up old tin pan that she received as a wedding gift 57 years ago. For my wedding she gave me a similar dish, and wrote that she hoped Tim and I used it to make biscuits our whole marriage!

Favorite splurge?? A favorite splurge of mine would be on nice sheets. When you spend 1/3 of your life in your bed, you might as well be sleeping on beautiful linens!

Best place to getaway? My favorite getaway is to Queenstown, New Zealand. My in laws have a holiday home there; it is one of the quietest and peaceful places I’ve ever been. Their home has such a clean aesthetic. It is spacious, uncluttered and the ultimate place to relax with 360 degrees of mountain views. We go on long hikes, tour vineyards, taste wine, play golf, drink copious amounts of cappuccinos and laugh a lot.

What thing in your home do you use the most? One thing in my home I use the most is our electric kettle! Every night Tim and I drink multiple cups of tea; mint, chamomile and sleepy time are among our faves!

If you could be any ONE piece of furniture; what would you be and why? If I could be one piece of furniture I’d be a Persian rug, Heritz style. I love the culture and tradition that hand-woven rugs represent, they are truly art. They are the perfect heirloom to be passed down through generations. I’d want to be a rug because in my family everyone always hangs out in the family room around one, you wouldn’t miss a lick!

Leave us with one word: GIVE. I feel so blessed to have good health, a happy marriage, a loving family, a fulfilling job, clean water, food and a rooftop over my head. I think it’s so important to give back and help others in suffering and in need. Right now I think we can all help the Haitians by giving to the Red Cross or UNICEF in this terrible time of need.

*all images courtesy of LeSeaur Interiors

I am so glad that Erika in the midst of a way to busy to do a q&a schedule gave us her time today. She is OVERflowing with lots of creative inspiration. Her blog is great, but she is even MORE amazing when you get to know her in person! Thanks e!

Why start out with this questions again…because this is how most of us start our day. So here we go…

Where did you drink your morning coffee? During the colder months I drink it in the den. (that’s the room with the green striped sofa)  In the warmer months I drink it in my garden!

Is that your favorite room in the house? Yes, it is.  It is a random (catch-all) room, but definitely my favorite!

How do your balance being a mommy, and your growing design empire? “Empire”!? Very funny Julie!  [ha!! really...it is! erika is an AWESOME person inside and out; and her design skill is out of this world..seriously check out her blog. she was even published in SL] I don’t know that I handle it well… when I’m at home I feel like I need to be at work, and when I’m at work I feel like I need to be at home.  We are slowly getting into a routine and I am learning how to balance it all.  I have Paula and Allison in the office everyday and without them (and Joan!) I wouldn’t be alive.  They are truly a blessing and I try to tell them everyday how much I appreciate them… I hope they know they are very loved!

What part of your job is the most enjoyable? Bringing to fruition what my clients can’t visualize.  Receiving emails and phone calls that they are thrilled with their design.

When did your design obsession begin? Very early.  I was the daughter who rearranged her bedroom and repainted every year.  I had a homemade Barbie dream house made out of an old refrigerator box and I wallpapered the walls with decorative paper (this was pre-scrapbook paper… I can’t imagine the possibilities today)!  I was often drug (against my will) to antique shows and flea markets.  It took a few years, but I eventually came around and enjoyed the same things I had earlier loathed.

What’s influencing your design these days? I think reading blogs keeps me on my toes.  There are some very creative souls out there who blog and share their knowledge and wisdom daily.. for free!  No travel required.  No library books needed.  Just an internet connection.

What are your favorite trends in the “design world”? I try to avoid trends… we all fall victim on occasion though, as they are almost unavoidable.  As long as you don’t make expensive trendy purchases you are okay, and likely won’t regret it later.  I can’t answer your question about my favorite trend because I am afraid in 2 years I’ll look back and cringe.  And I don’t want to do that!

What should be the clients first BIG investment in a room? You know that “statement maker” Good upholstery and art!  I appreciate quality and believe you get what you pay for when it comes to home furnishings and art.  There are great resources for custom art at reasonable prices these days – etsy and artists who offer giclee prints make good art available for any budget!

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What’s the biggest mistake you often see people make when decorating their home? I think the biggest mistake people make is buying “accessories”.  A well designed home will have things that have been collected over time, things the homeowner bought in traveling or that have sentimental value.  Or are interesting and conversation starters.  I would avoid buying new mass-produced “accessories” for the sake of having something on your table.  A stack of books is far more interesting than a trendy set of foo dogs.  [Antique foo dogs are one thing, but the ones from Zgallerie are another.]

Fresh, bright, and beautiful OR warm, cozy, and rustic? Depends on the client.  For me… warm, cozy, and occasionally rustic!

Go to paint color? White Dove (Benjamin Moore OC-17) and Grant Beige (Benjamin Moore HC-83)

What is the best gift you’ve ever received from anyone? My ‘77 Ford Bronco that my husband gave to me, along with an engagement ring on the key ring.

What is a must-have recipe for every home? Sour Cream Pork Chops

Favorite splurge?? Fresh Cosmetics

Best place to getaway? Apalachicola

What thing in your home do you use the most? Honestly, my Washer and Dryer.  Second most frequently used item – heated mattress pad.

If you could be any ONE piece of furniture; what would you be and why? The velvet tufted ice blue sofa that my grandmother has had for many years… it would be great to see and hear the past of my family.

Leave us with one word: compassion

*all images courtesy of erika

Where did you drink your morning coffee? Is that your favorite room in the house? in my kitchen in the sitting area….yes it is my favorite…very sunny and bright.

 What part of your job is the most enjoyable? my job as a mother   the everyday can be monotonous and exhausting, but it is also the time where you get to BE with your kids…and love them and care for them.  so…the part i like the best is being with them when they are getting along. i guess i also have a job as a photographer.  that is enjoyable because people say i capture things they don’t see…capturing emotion and personality rather a posed CHEESE smile.

 When did your design obsession begin?  my mother loved decorating and had a business for awhile.  getting to redcorate my room for my 14th birthday was pretty special…and a step into my decorating obsession.  even in our little crummy apartment i tried to hang pictures and make it homey.  it’s hilarious to think of that now.

 What’s influencing your design these days? other blogging moms.  i am drawn to homes that scream “happy…content…warmth…love…bright”.  that is something that is obvious from the first look.

 What are your favorite trends in the “design world”?  i like mixing old chipped up well loved pieces with some new.  I love anthropologie and how they market their home and clothing items.  what i like the most though is that “look” but when it’s real.  not a reproduction fake that 10,000 other people have also. 

and i love numbers….the number pillows/dishes/wall art.  i love numbers.

What should be the clients first BIG investment in a room? You know that “statement maker”.  my friend and i were talking about this.  if you can only afford one big ticket item…make it something that you LOVE…could be changed later (painted/slip-covered/moved) and work around that piece.  remember christopher lowell??  is he still around?  well he always said to purchase a neutral colored sofa and change out your pillows.  it’s still true today…15 years later. 

Fresh, bright, and beautiful OR warm, cozy, and rustic?  definitely fresh bright and beautiful.  bright meaning light filled and airy…not bright colors necessarily.

Go to paint color? White 

What is the best gift you’ve ever received from anyone?  most recently…my friend gave me a box of brand new paints and brushes with a painting that read “she paints”.  she called a new years resolution gift because she knows the desire of my heart is to paint…soon.  it was so thoughtful.  i felt known.

What is a must-have recipe for every home?  as in food…cream puff dessert.  easy and everybody loves it.  the only bad thing is there is never any leftover.

 Favorite splurge??  oh man…i think it’s splurging when i get a baby sitter and go out all day and do nothing but read at the bookstore, shop a little and have coffee…alone.  that is better than any item i could buy. 

 Best place to getaway? the bookstore…for a short. Chicago for a weekend.  St. John for a week.

What thing in your home do you use the most?  my kitchen aid mixer.  almost every day for 8 years now.

 If you could be any ONE piece of furniture; what would you be and why? bed???  it’s the place where people go to find rest, comfort, rejuvenation, romance and closeness.  i love my bed.

 Leave us with one word: joy (as in: i am here to serve with joy)

THANKS SO MUCH MEG! YOUR AWESOME!