Fall Inspiration

I know this picture has been everywhere but I love SJP at the Burberry Prorsum show....Makes me happy it is early fall.

Image Huffington Post

Half Way There - Kitchen Update

I am currently working on a kitchen that needed a little face lift. Really the before was not too bad but the owner wanted something completely different...You know I love wallpaper so needless to say I was thrilled when they went with this choice from Kravet...
So far we have painted, changed the counter top and backsplash, as well as the appliances. We still have some more to do- window treatments, new furniture, but I wanted to share the progress.

Hi...Love You...Love Your Book

Besides meeting all the wonderful bloggers and hanging with my Dad, the best part of NY was the "What's New What's Next" event on Wednesday. I was in awe of the designers in different showrooms. There were many notable people, however, these designers I not only admire, but their books are either favorites of mine or soon to be favorites. Starting with Vicente Wolf...(me, Vicente, Camila and Nicole from So Haute -who is not only gorgeous but had on the coolest shirt)

I have admired Vicente's work for a while now and I am really looking forward to his new book coming soon. His talk in the Benjamin Moore showroom was funny, shocking and really inspiring, a breath of fresh air. I wish he could have stayed much, much longer.
Another handsome man I was excited to see was Barclay Butera...
I do not have his book (yet) but I love his work, especially his line for Kravet.
Then there was the lady who I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. (remember my camera was on the outs and this is unfortunately what came out). Suzanne Kasler...I love your work. Really, really love it. Your book is worn from all times I have flipped through it. I think you are a insanely talented in a refined way.
If you don't have this book you need it...now, just saying.
Finally there was Jamie Drake, master of color.
I could go on and on about his boldness with color and design. I was so happy to meet him because when I first really started looking at design, rooms, etc. the room on the cover of his book grabbed me. It is the first picture I clearly remember seeing and having a reaction to and it has stayed with me for years now.
I love leaving a place with the feeling of new inspiration, new wind in your sails. After this event I felt inspired all over again. Any time you get to interact with greats in your field it is impossible not feel the creative spark growing stronger. Thank you to all of you above and everyone else who was there, it was fabulous.

New York Recap

I am still smiling from my great trip to NYC with my Dad. While the trip started with an e-mail from Camila saying, "you can't miss your boyfriend (Nate)", it turned into so much more than that. The best part really was getting to meet so many fellow bloggers. It is crazy how you meet everyone for the first time but it really is like you are old friends.

Unfortunately my camera was on the outs so my pictures are blurry or just didn't come out so some of these are borrowed from others (thank you). Everything started Monday night at the Rue Launch Party. The ladies of Rue are so sweet and I was inspired by what they have accomplished.
Above: Jade Flip Flops & Pearls, Camila High Heeled Foot In The Door, Emily Emily A. Clark
Jade and Camila
Lovely bloggers with Eddie Ross
Emily and Cristin Simplified Bee
I should say my week actually began with this sweet blogger Rhoda (Southern Hospitality). I was boarding my plane in Birmingham when I heard my name and there she was. We were able to sit next to each other and I was having such a good time talking to her it might have been the quickest flight of my life!
The next day it was off to breakfast with bloggers (I don't have any pictures) and then to Nate.
This was taken while we were waiting- Stephanie Sabbe Spot, Lindsey Everything LEB, Emily Perfectly Put Together, Carlee Deliciously Organized, Jenny Little Green Notebook, Camila. I now consider myself an honorary Boston resident now, I LOVED my Boston bloggers.
Janell Isabella & Max, Jade, Beth Hello Lover
The next day I went to What's New What's Next at the NYDC which was so much fun. While I was there I met some amazing designers (more on that tomorrow). Camila was blogging from a showroom there, I am so proud of everything she has accomplished. While there I was able to visit with the wonderful ladies of Nesting Newbies- Lea (pictured above) and Natalie. I actually met them the day before at breakfast and I can't tell you how wonderful they were. They gave me some great advice and I really appreciate the time they spent with me. I will have another post about the rest of the day tomorrow but the trip ended in Little Italy with Camila and my Dad enjoying some great food. I have to thank my Dad for being such a great traveling companion, experiencing all of this with him was very cool.
Meeting everyone last week was an experience I won't soon forget. It was great to get to know so many talented and sweet people. I owe it all to Camila who got my behind up to NYC! She was the first friend I made blogging and we have been in touch on a weekly basis for the last 2 years. I can honestly say she is now a very close friend and I so, so thankful we got to spend so much time together. Thank you Camila for everything!!!!

**Update: I have been asked what I thought about the whole Nate experience. I do think there are some valid points that other bloggers have made but all in all it was interesting to see. I do wish the show had been more blogger oriented knowing everything that went in to the trip before hand, but I am still thankful I was able to be a part of it. Also, the Q&A after the show with Nate was great, I wish the whole show had been that!

Good Morning

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! After being gone for over a week I am in the weeds! NYC pictures coming later. On this Monday morning I can't help thinking about this quote from Perfect Sentiment...

Image Country Living

Quiet Time

Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. Psalm 104:1

Lately there have been a lot of things to celebrate and be grateful for. I am so blessed and all the praise goes to HIM.

Goodbye, Hello...

I can't believe it is already time to say bye to NYC. I will only be back in Birmingham this afternoon for a couple of hours before turning around a leaving again. I promise to share details of the trip next week when I get back, it has been such an amazing trip. While I am looking forward to this weekend, with all the craziness I wish I was here....Not too bad for a vacation home. More images including before and afters, Traditional Home. I will be back next week and I can't wait to share everything with you and get back to "normal", whatever that is!

9.22.2010 INSPIRATION

...thanks kelly jean, miles and heather clawson for unending amounts of inspiration.