eat drink & decorate

Pinning for Friends

2012-02-09T17:44:00.001-08:00

We have some good friends that are purchasing a new home! It’s a super cute bungalow cottage! I can’t wait to actually get inside and see the house. They should be closing any day now!!

These past couple weeks I’ve been pinning ideas for them on my lovely addiction: Pinterest! We had dinner one night and talked a little bit about design direction. Years ago before blog land exploded and there was anything like Pinterest, I would always ask my clients to compile an “idea file.” The best way to do this was with magazines; pulling out any pictures of rooms they like the “feel” of. And Pinterest has made this SO much easier. It gives you a glimpse into your clients mind because we all know that you could say one thing but I would visualize something completely different.

Anyhoo… I thought I’d share some of my favorites that I have pinned for my friends. Here’s the whole board, if you want to check it out!

Sarah Richardson

Meredith Heron – via decorpad

via House Beautiful

via Sarah Richardson

Houzz

Gorgeous, right!!?! I look forward to seeing the new house and what direction we’ll be going on! Hopefully I’ll be able to share, hint. hint.

Crafty-Madness!

2012-01-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

You’ve been checking out the crafts that we made for our families “Christmas Craft Challenge” and I’m super excited to share all the crafts that I received!

You may want to check out my Christmas Craft Challenge board via Pinterest

So many fun ideas! So I had no idea what to expect on Christmas morning. I was under the impression that we were making ONE craft per person, but I should have known with my family there’s no such thing as just ONE present! They out did themselves with the amount of work they did!

Yes – I know!! Crazy awesome cool, huh?!?! I was blown away! We all really enjoyed this idea of making something for each other but next year we’ve made a couple more “rules” for the challenge.

• Must have more options on our boards • Now we’ll have all year to work on the crafts and find “deals” • And I say a limit on the amount we do!! We’ll see if they’ll agree to that!

Overall I would HIGHLY recommend this! It would be a great way to exchange gifts with friends as well. A homemade gift just means so much!! What were your favorite gifts this year? Did anyone make something for you? I have to say I did enjoy getting my craft on – it had been a while!!

Tile Coasters & Pendant

2012-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

For the last 2 crafts we made for the Christmas Craft Challenge, we had these 2 crafts left to make:

source

First up is the necklace.

SUPPLIES: 2” washer – natural leather cording – magnetic closure – scrapbook paper – modge podge – foam brush (all purchased @ Michael’s Craft Store)

I had already purchased the cording (I used it for our Merry Christmas sign)

Step 1: Cut out your scrapbook paper using the washer for a guide. You want to cut a smidge smaller than the actual washer. Modge podge paper to washer 3-4 coats. Letting it each coat dry 20-30 minutes before adding the next. Let cure overnight.

Step 2: Using your cording cut to desired length. Tie a slip knot around the washer. Then tie a square knot at the top to make sure it’s secure and not going to loosen.

Step 3: Attach the magnetic closure by threading cording through eye holes and tying square knots to secure. Trim ends.

And done!

Tile Coasters – these are great because you can do a holiday theme, a monogram, or even just a pretty pattern. If you choose to a monogram – print them out from your computer and cut your paper to fit. Same concept as using a napkin or scrapbook paper.

Supplies: 4x4 white tiles – cute napkins – modge podge – foam brush – cork – liquid nails – exacto knife – clear acrylic sealer

Step 1: Separate front of napkin from back – making the paper less bulky. Apply modge podge to tile the place napkin on tile. Applying a layer of modge podge to the top of the napkin. Repeat 3-4 times allowing each coat to dry between.

Step 2: Once you have your desired finish. Apply sealer in a well ventilated area – i.e. outside! Let dry.

Step 3: Cut cork to fit the tiles. Apply LiquidNails generously and attach to tile. Allow to dry – and done!

Pretty easy and super sweet presents! Let me know if you try any of these – would love to see your finished products!

Now that I’ve shared what we made, next up I will be sharing ALL the many crafts I received! They out did themselves!!

Yarn Wreath

2012-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

So for the next craft we made for the Christmas Craft Challenge… a super cute black & white wreath. Remember the inspiration?

source

When I first saw this, I thought it was just yarn so that’s how we accomplished it but upon further investigation of the inspiration it is a t-shirt that was cut and sewn. I’m not so handy with a sewing machine so the yarn was a much easier option for us!

SUPPLIES: Wreath form – Yarn (black and white) – felt for flowers – hot glue gun and glue sticks

Step 1: Start with one of the yarns and place a dab of hot glue to hold your starting point on the wreath form. Wrap 4 times around. Start the next color the same way. Hide the opposite color underneath the 4 wraps of the new color. Occasionally add another dab of glue to keep things attached. Go all the way around the wreath (this took about an hour)

Step 2: make your flowers – same tutorial I used for Welcome sign from Jones Design Company. Hot glued onto lapel pins. Attach pins.

And voila! Gorgeous fun wreath!!

This turned out so cute – I would really like to make one for myself as well! I love the idea of changing out the flowers with the seasons. And since they’re made on lapel pins you can ~~steal~~ borrow from your wreath for your outfit! Did you make a wreath during the Holiday season? Do tell!

“Welcome” E-Z breezy!

2012-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

If you didn’t read about our Christmas Craft Challenge we did this year, hop over and catch up! So the first craft I want to share is the “Welcome” sign I made for my Aunt.

This is the picture she pinned on her Christmas Craft Board

source

I looked around to see if I could find a good deal on a frame to use for this craft but just couldn’t find one that was quite right. And then I was at Michael’s picking up some crafty supplies and came upon a plaque for $1 and said – YES Ma’am!

So I found a font that I liked and printed it off in size 100. I used a transfer method of using a pencil. First I flipped the paper over and traced the wording with my pencil. Then I flipped the paper back over and taped it to my plaque. And used my pencil to transfer the graphite from the back onto to the plaque. You just apply a nice amount of pressure going over the letters.

And this is what you end up with:

Then I took my fine tip Sharpie and just filled in the pencil.

I made a couple felt flowers using Emily’s http://jonesdesigncompany.com/tutorial/flower-pin-tutorial/. Which was super easy by the way! I made a few more for another project, we’ll talk about soon! They turned out super cute and need to make some more for pins.

So I just hot glued some flowers and TA DA – A uber sweet “WELCOME” sign!

Whatcha think?? Pretty E-Z breezy, huh?!?

Christmas Craft Challenge

2012-01-02T07:37:00.001-08:00

This year with our new family interest in Pinterest, we decided to do a Christmas Craft Challenge. So between my Mom, aunt, cousin and myself, we each worked on a craft for each other. Our first step was to compile a board of “crafty-goodness” for ideas that people could make us.

These are the crafts I found on my family’s boards that I decided to attempt:

source

So once I had narrowed down the crafts, it was time to get to work! I actually recruited Joe to help out as well! He’s really good at crafts – much more patient than me. Come back this week to see how the crafts turned out AND all the goodies that I received! So up first will be my version of the “Welcome” sign. Swing back by later this week to see how easy breezy this first craft was!

Did you do any DIY crafts for Christmas presents?? Would love to hear all about it!

Twenty ~ Eleven in review

2012-01-01T16:21:00.001-08:00

Don’t you just love to reminisce? Well I do too! So let’s walk down memory lane of Eat Drink & Decorate for 2011.

JANUARY:

Some projects for my nieces Clubhouse makeover.

Charlotte Restaurant Week @ Halycon… yum!

FEBUARY:

Trip to Atlanta

Oyster Roast in Charleston

Clubhouse Reveal

MARCH:

Roundup of Sunburst Mirrors

APRIL:

First EVER 10k

One of my favorite recipes of the year!

Our amazing trip to Boston

{Day 1} {Day 2} {Day 3}

MAY:

Senior Portraits

German Chocolate Pound Cake

JUNE:

Blogger Meet-up

Yummy Dinner @ The Fig Tree

Client Project

JULY:

Clean out closets • Organize Attic • Add additional flooring to attic • Paint Hallway • Hang new mirror • Touch up trim paint throughout • Re-paint kitchen countertops • Trim boxwoods & vine • Put out mulch or pinestraw • Clean out gutters • Get deck rebuilt • De-clutter accessories • Re-arrange guest room • Re-organize laundry room • Hang light fixture in mud room • Get said light fixture • Figure out something for center of dining room table

A giant TO-DO list… that got done but not for the reason listed in the post. ☺

AUGUST:

New Artwork

Introduction to Pinterest… the addiction begins!

Getting my run on!

Michelle’s Photo Challenge

{Week 1} {Week 2} {Week 3} {Week 4}

Yummy Banana Bread – with a secret ingredient

NOVEMBER:

Completed my first HALF MARATHON!

Christmas card photo session

DECEMBER:

Taking pictures of Emily & Ellie

Snowshoe Mountain Getaway

Favorite Things Party

WOW! That wore me out! Lots of fun things going on in our lives this past year! So many blessings – good friends, family, food and FUN! I’m really excited about 2012; we have some very specific prayers that we are praying. I have a really good feeling that 2012 has some very exciting things in store for us! We’ll check back in next year this time and see what there’s to report!

What are your plans for Twenty-Twelve? Any big trips? Projects? Do tell!!

Favorite Thing Under $10

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

After telling you about the Favorite Things Party, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite items under $10. These were all in my arsenal for the party and decided on the Bath & Body Mentha Lip Tint for my item.

This is super handy for helping you keep track of what you need at the sto'

This saves your life wrapping all those presents!! I love it. I buy the refills after Christmas when they're on clearance!

Move over Caramel Macchiato - Hello Caramel Brulee Latte

Mrs Meyers Geranium Liquid Soap - YUM!

Bath and Body Works - C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint

So what your favorite items under $10? There were so many good ideas at the party and I've already gone out and got a few of the items that were there. These would be some great items just to keep on hand in case you need any hostess gifts on the fly! Maybe you got some wonderful items in your stocking this year?? Do tell!

Merry Merry ~ Happy Happy!!

2011-12-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

♥

The Leischner's

A few of my favorite things… and People!

2011-12-19T19:09:00.001-08:00

Every year around this time I enjoy hosting some kind of event. Last year I did a cookie swap, remember? This year I wanted to try something a little different. I had read about the idea of a “Favorite Things” (F/T) party on some blogs: The Nester’s. Brooke’s. And Katie’s take. I thought this was the perfect excuse to bring my friends together.

The general gist of the party

• Bring 3 of your favorite items (3 of the same items)

• $6 – $10 price range

• You’ll present your item and give it to three different people. So you’ll end up going home with three different items.

So once I knew that I wanted to try this F/T party, it was time to figure out the invitation. I checked out the normal options (evite, etc.) and couldn’t find anything that was quite right. I came across the site Paperless Post and really liked their options. And this was the end result:

So we had the date. Invitations sent out. What’s next??? The To-Do List & the menu of course!

I had been “pinning” ideas on a board specifically for the F/T party. You can check it out here.

Menu:

Prosciutto Cups	Layered Greek Dip
Asian Spring Rolls	Jalapeno & Raspberry Jam w/ Cream Cheese
Caprese Skewers	Bacon & Peach Pinwheels
Raspberries filled w/ Lemon Curd	Peanut Butter Cup Bark
White Chocolate Pretzels	Fruity Water
Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider

Everything turned out pretty tasty although there were some “challenges.” Alton Brown’s recipe for Lemon Curd didn’t thicken up like it was supposed to. The filling for the prosciutto cups left a little to be desired so we had to doctor it up a bit. And there’s one whole recipe I’ve left off the list because they may have ~~burnt~~ over-cooked. But all in all good stuff!

Of course we weren’t here just for the food… we were here to share our favorite things! And this is where the pictures fall short. I was partying with my girls and didn’t take the opportunity to capture shots of all the favorite things. But I can show you what I got:

Book & muffin mix • Mug with tea • Sam Adams Berry Wheat & Spicy Almonds

There were so many good ideas! We had a total of 16 people so we learned about LOTS of Favorite Things:

Curel Extra Healing Lotion • Scarves • Vanilla Cinnamon Candle • French Press • Key Chain • Ped Egg • Gloves • Post-it Dispenser • Wine • Hand Soap • Snazzy Chocolate Bar •

So all in all – I do believe a Favorite Things Party may be my Favorite kind of Holiday party around!! You’ve got to try it! If you have please tell us about it! Or if you’ve blogged about it leave a link for us to check it out!!

Winter Getaway…

2011-12-13T18:14:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Joe and I headed to the far hills of Snowshoe, West Virginia. We had an awesome getaway but as always it’s good to be back home.

Thought I’d share our weekend through pictures…

Ahhhh… what a great time! It’s a bit of a drive but totally worth it.

Joy & Love… or something like it…

2011-12-08T18:42:00.001-08:00

We’ve been talking a lot about pictures recently. We talked out my Aunt Uncle and cousin’s pictures, then we saw the shots that Elizabeth took of me and Joe. And today I thought I’d share some shots from a little photo shoot with Julie’s girls.

Thanksgiving weekend the girls came over one afternoon for a little impromptu photo session. Now we obviously don’t have children but I have experienced ~~the impossible task~~ the challenge of getting a photo where everyone is smiling, looking at the camera and seem at least somewhat happy.

But all that being said – we actually got some pretty good shots. Yes there are some where everyone is smiling but they’re even better ones that truly show the girls’ personalities’. Some really fun ones! Julie made the call to go with those “real” ones which made some super fun Christmas cards! Let’s take a look at some of them!

**priceless**

he-larious!

And the final card:

Beautiful precious girls! But can I just say… when did they get so big?!?! Ellie’s wearing one of my hats – can she really be that old? And sweet Emily and those pigtails- be still my heart! I love these girls so much! I can’t wait to see the Christmas card in the mail – a perfect way to say

Merry Christmas!

Banner Holiday!

2011-12-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show y’all how I made our banner for our Christmas cards.

Remember these uber cool inspiration pictures:

I really liked this banner idea but couldn’t find one in a store so… what do we do when that happens?!?! We make our own!

So I grabbed some supplies from Michaels:

Letter stickers, tags, and leather string

I applied one sticker per tag. Then cut short strings and tied them with a split knot.

Next I attached each word to a long string – attaching them to their own string

Super simple right!

And just in case you didn’t see some pictures with the banner – here’s how it turned out…

Love this shot! She’s such a kooky girl!! Love her!

Oh and I’m sure this cute little banner will be making into our Christmas décor! Score – double duty!! Merry merry, happy happy, ya’ll!!

Holly Jolly Photos

2011-11-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

So… I’ve decided to take the plunge and send out photo Christmas cards. I feel a bit silly sending out a picture of just me and Joe… I know, it’s probably not weird but for some reason I think couple shot = just married or engaged. And obviously we are neither of those. But I got over it and decided to take the plunge.

I needed to do some research on ideas for poses. Nothing that looked too “we just got married.” So off to Pinterest I headed… making a board of ideas.

Here are some of my favorites… (click on the photo to take you to the source)

So with these ideas in mind… we headed outside after Thanksgiving lunch with my sweet cousin as our photographer.

And the winner:

I’m hesitant to show the actual card cause I want it to be a surprise for those who will be receiving it in the mail! So what do you think? Does it look like we’re trying to be a newly engaged couple? Ok good! Have you taken your photo yet for your cards. Check back for our adventure of taking pictures of Julie’s girls for their card! Too fun!!

So thankful!

2011-11-26T06:14:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am so blessed with a wonderful family! I have to say that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No pressure of presents just a wonderful reason to gather with family and friends and take a moment to remember all of our blessings.

We had an amazing meal at my mom’s house. So MUCH yummy food!!

Then we did a little photo shoot for Christmas cards. We got some super fun shots of my Aunt, Uncle and cousin!

I’ll share with y’all some of our shots that Elizabeth took of us later this week.

What did y’all do for Thanksgiving?? What was your favorite dish? Are you enjoying the leftovers as much as I am?? Oh and by the way… I’m thankful for you as well… I appreciate all of you that read this little blog! Thanks for being here!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-21T18:33:00.001-08:00

The time is here to celebrate ~~FOOD~~, oops I mean Thanksgiving. But really people… what would Thanksgiving be without gathering around a table with your loved ones and celebrating the bounty of our blessings? You know I love all things food. And a day that is centered around food = Happy Katy! My mom is hosting Thanksgiving this year and we’ve been discussing the menu for a couple weeks. She’s in love with Pinterest as much as I am, so we’ve been pinning all kinds of recipes via Pinterest. So… Let’s get to the goodness – the MENU!

Appetizer: Jamie Cook’s It up – Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

via

Main Event: Alton Brown’s Turkey

via

Sides:

Roasted Green Beans w/ Mushrooms	Memama’s Super Yummy Corn
Mashed Potatoes	Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Brown Butter
Sautéed Carrots, Parsnips & Onions	Sweet Potatoes
Lime Ginger Cranberry Sauce (a MUST)	Gravy
30 Minute Rolls

Desserts:

PW’s Apple Dumplings

Berry Walnut Upside Down Cake

Super yummy - huh?!?!?! What are your must have items on the table? I love this cranberry sauce – I’ve made it the past three years and it’s a keeper! The leftovers the next day on my turkey sandwich will make me happy all over again!

If you have all that delicious foods to partake in – you’ve got to have a beautiful table as well. Here’s some examples from Thanksgiving past…

Cindy’s House 2011

Mom’s Thanksgiving 2011

Our House 2010

And as always blog land gives us lots of great examples! Check out these lovely ladies examples:

Katie

Michelle

Some great ideas from Kate

Megan

I can’t wait to hear all about your Thanksgiving plans… what are you serving, where are you celebrating?? Do tell!

Thunder Road Half Marathon

2011-11-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

We’ve made it to race day! I can’t believe I’ll be running 13 miles this morning. We’ve been in a 12 week training schedule. I can’t say that I’ve made every run because I have NOT! But I have made every long run and I’m pretty excited to have accomplished this! I’ve also added in cross training at Ultimate Crossfit. I’ve really enjoyed these workouts. They are HARD but rewarding. I can feel my muscles getting stronger and my recovery time getting quicker. Here’s the workout schedule I did – modified from Hal Higdon’s plan.

Week	Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
1	Stretch & Strengthen	3 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	4 m run
2	Stretch & Strengthen	3 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	4 m run
3	Stretch & Strengthen	3.5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	5 m run
4	Stretch & Strengthen	3.5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	5 m run
5	Stretch & Strengthen	4 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	6 m run
6	Stretch & Strengthen	4 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	5-K Race
7	Stretch & Strengthen	4.5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	7 m run
8	Stretch & Strengthen	4.5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	Rest
9	10-K Race	5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	8 m run
10	Stretch & Strengthen	5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	9 m run
11	Stretch & Strengthen	5 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	10 m run
12	Stretch & Strengthen	4 m run	Crossfit	Rest	Crossfit	Rest	Half Marathon

If you want to check out how I’m doing you can click on this link to see where in the race I am. I’ll be back this week to let you know how it went!!

Blogger’s new design options

2011-11-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

As with design in my home – I’m always looking for ways to keep the blog looking fresh. There’s just something in me that likes to keep things changed up. It’s kind of like re-arranging some furniture but with a lot less back work involved. ☺

I was checking out Blogger’s blog and they’ve introduced some new ways to display your blog. It’s called Dynamic Views. The cool thing about this option is your “guest” can decide how they would like to view your blog. Whether they want to see more pictures than words – whether they want to look at it month by month. Lot’s of fun ways to change it up.

Here are some examples of what it would look like:

Sidebar

Flipcard:

Magazine:

Mosaic:

Snapshot:

Timeslide:

Classic:

You can update the colors and the header but it’s got to be a thin header. I like the sleek design – clean, crisp. I can’t say I’m ready to hop on board today. My main concern is: will my guest know what to do? It’s a rather new option so Blogger is still working out some kinks. But I’m going to keep it in the back of my mind as option.

Oh and if you want to see what your blog would look like you can hop over to the Blogger blog and check it out… Let me know what you think!

Photo Challenge Week 4

2011-11-05T14:50:00.001-07:00

It’s that time again! Here’s what we had on tap for this week:

Technically we had Day 20-24 but I left out Day 17 last week but already did Day 20 so I’m jumping around a bit!

I didn’t get anything accomplished for the Day 22 – Hands; so I’ll keep working on that one. Have you been attempting some photography? Don’t forget to hop over to Michelle’s and check out the Photo Party! Oh and if you want to check out:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Go for it!!

Dining Inspiration

2011-11-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

As you may remember, I have been trying to figure out what I’m going to do in our Dining Room. We’ve been talking about this for a while here and here. So I have been scouring my favorite website… PINTEREST for inspiration for a little refresh. I have been having a hard time trying to decide what direction to take (since I’ve been thinking about it since FEBRUARY!) Our dining room is open to the Living room and kitchen, so you really have to treat them like 3 rooms in 1, which makes it a bit challenging!

The walls in the kitchen and dining room are a bright cheery green. The kitchen and dining room have to be the same color. I’ve gone around and around trying to figure out a way to create a transition area so the rooms could be painted different colors but it just doesn’t work. I’ve actually had multiple conversations with my design team (a.k.a Shannon & Cindy). All that is to say that the green walls are staying – which I love anyway!

So when I saw this pin by Katie Bower on Pinterest via Canadian House & Home, I knew it was the perfect solution!

The combination of the celery green, navy and golden browns are just scrumptious!

So we already have the celery taken care of with the wall color. The natural tones will be in our dining table – a family piece from my Grandmother, hardwood floors and antique corner cabinet. To bring in the navy I will be painting a set of vintage bamboo chairs courtesy of my Mother in law. She has the whole set from the 70’s – table, chairs and china cabinet! She is still using the cabinet and had given us the table a while back.

I will need to add new soft furnishings: rug, fabric for chair covers and window treatments. We replaced the chandelier a while back with this super good bargain from CB2 for $50 smack-a-roos! Can you say deal?!?! So here’s what I’m thinking…

So what do you think?? The rug is another good bargain from Shades of Light. The 5 x 8 is only $280.00. The Ikat panels are from West Elm – and might not be the final selection but give the right idea of what I’m thinking. And the artwork is just another idea – we’ll see where we end up. I have been toying around with the idea of gallery wall there. It’s a long wall that could use some different shapes and sizes.

So what do you think?? Are you working on any re-designs? Any great sources for window treatments I need to know about??

Photo Challenge Week 3

2011-10-28T17:19:00.001-07:00

We’re in week 3 of the Photo Challenge with Ten June

This photo challenge really has me thinking outside the box and trying things I’ve been wanting to do for a while now but without a specific motivation it hasn’t happened! So yippee – I’m trying to work on my photography skills and y’all are the suckers stuck checking them out. I love a baited audience!

This week I had a lot of fun with the editing via Picnik. I told ya last week but I’m going to say it again. You must go play with the editing tools via Picnik! So fun! I thought it’d be fun to see the SOC (straight-out-of-camera) along side the final edited picture.

Used the “black & white” edit and brightened up Annie’s coat a bit and cropped to bring more focus to the eyes

“Focal black & white” with some “boost” added afterwards

All the sunlight rays were in the original shot. Used “cross process” & “vignette” for edit

“1960’s” edit style

“Orto-nish” & “vignette” edit

So which one is your favorite? Have you been taking any pictures lately – well if your answer is yes you better get over to Picnik and play with some editing features! ☺ And don’t forget to link up to Michelle’s Party!

Check out Photo Challenge Week 1 & Week 2

Photo Challenge Week 2

2011-10-19T18:04:00.001-07:00

Well it’s already time again for the Ten June PHOTO CHALLENGE!! But first make sure you checked out my submissions for week 1

We’re on week 2 of the assignment – and I have to say I’m enjoying this! I’m having fun with the actual picture taking but also having fun with editing. I’ve wanted PhotoShop for a long time but just can’t make the very hefty plunge to purchase it! So I’ve been playing with Picnik and I have to say I’m enjoying it. I did sign up for the premium membership ($25 / year) which if you’re going to use it I think makes it totally worth it! But anyhoo… on to this week’s shots:

Day 8 – a bad habit (oh so bad…)

Day 9 – Someone I love – the super cute mug – wuv ‘em

Day 10 – A childhood memory – my Granddaddy’s pipe

Day 11: Something blue – Blue Moon that is – YUM!

Day 12 – Sunset – courtesy of an amazing weekend @ Ocean Isle Beach

Day 13 – Me with 13 things

Some fun shots! I told ya I love playing with the editing! So are you joining up over at Ten June?? I think you should!! No pressure if you didn’t get all 7 shots – share what ya got!

Birchbox Numero Uno!

2011-10-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

Well…. I received my first Birchbox this week!! I’ve been super excited to get this in the mail ever since I signed up last month. Kate over @ It’s the Small Things introduced me to this super cool company. You sign up for $10/month and they send you a box of “goodies” each month with all kinds of different hair care, skin care, cosmetics, or perfumes!

Here’s this month’s box – and oh b.t.w. you don’t always get the same items in your box as someone else for example you can see what Kate got in her box this month here.

Cute presentation right?!?! Hey what can I say I’m a designer peeps – the wrapping is almost as important as the present!!

Ahava Foot Cream blinc mascara – super cool concept

Lash Card – use this not to get mascara anywhere but your lashes. Seems a bit excessive to me – not sure I’ll see myself using this.

Pandea Organic Facial Scrub & Ouidad Humidity Gel

My overall impression of this month’s box: some good picks and some not so much picks. But I kind of think that’s the general idea – and I’m cool with that!! If you would like to sign up for your very own Birchbox just click here!

You know I love me some packages! Have you gotten anything fun in the mail recently?? Do tell!

Photo Challenge–Week 1

2011-10-16T14:07:00.001-07:00

Sweet Michelle over @ Ten June is hosting a Photo Challenge

Here’s the run down on the challenge: Every day you take a picture – well at least after 7 days have your pictures ready to post (can’t say I’m great at doing one a day.) Truthfully I didn’t necessarily set out to take each picture this week for the category but it just worked out that pictures that I did take this week fit into the category! So this is super easy to join along and work on your photography skillz! Hop on the band wagon! She’s actually got a linky party going on each Wednesday to check out everyone’s progress!!

Here’s the list of photos to take:

You can see she “borrowed” this list from Kristi James Photography – check out her site here.

So see how I did this week:

Self – Portrait @ the Panther game with my main squeeze!

What you wore – playing with reflection

Clouds

Something Green – a little something from our CSA share

From a high angle – foyer in the March of Dimes Showhouse

From a low angle – well relatively low – we are in the “cheap seats” but compared to the skyscrapers of the Queen City it’s low ☺

Fruit – some more bounty from our CSA share

I’m really enjoying this challenge… hoping to work on my creativity a bit more this next week… We’ll see if I step up to the challenge! Come join the fun!!

MoD Showhouse 2011

2011-10-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend a friend and I went to check out the March of Dimes Showhouse in Foxcroft – near the Mint Museum. There are many great designers represented at the house. The house itself is HUGE – I believe over 10,000 square feet – 4 to 5 living spaces, 5-6 bedrooms, plus a nanny suite, pool, elevator = super SNAZZY!

Let me share some of my favorite spaces:

The Dining Room:

Design by: Mrs. Howard

A beautiful elegant Dining Room with creams, whites and greys. I really like the traditional window treatments with a modern touch of box pleat trim on the leading edges of each panel. You can check out more before and after’s on their blog.

Den

Design by: Barrie Benson Interior Design

I loved this room! The wall treatment was to die for! It was one of those colors that one minute you think it’s blue, then brown, then gray and a gorgeous sheen on top. I loved the combinations of furnishings. A funky mixture but still so chic! LURVE!

Back Porch:

Design by: B. D. Jefferies

They did a wonderful job of combining natural textures. Such a welcoming space that I would love to curl up in front of the fire on a cool crisp fall evening! Oh and did you check out the sunburst mirror made out of fence pickets? Too cute!

Master Suite and Sitting Room:

Design by: Luxe Home Couture & Aida Interiors

Bedroom Suite 3

Design by: Lisa Sherry Interieurs

Sitting Room

Design by: Lucy & Co

I have loved Lucy & Co back in the days when she was over on Commonwealth in Plaza Midwood. They do amazing work! If you haven’t ever visited the shop or checked out their blog or website – it’s a must! And they didn’t disappoint at the showhouse either.

Bedroom Suite 4

Design by: Isabella

This room was light and airy and so inviting! A beautiful combination of old and new. Fellow Charlotte blogger Byrn Alexandra works at Isabella and has been telling us a little bit about their design process here.

Overall a beautifully designed home. Oh and it’s for sale and I’m sure all the designers would be more than happy to sell it furnished! There’s still a chance to check out all the lovelies LIVE and in PERSON next weekend! And it’s for a good cause – so go on over and let me know what your favorite spaces are!